I can see a world where we would play a 3/2 split on Trophy and Decay instead of 3/1/1 on AT/AD/Pulse. But there's just no way that a 2/2 or 2/3 split is correct on Day 1 of the new meta. Decay is a really narrow card. There are matchups where it has virtually, or literally, zero relevant targets. Trophy always does something and it often does a lot. We can't hedge on Decay being good in matchups when you might go an entire tournament without seeing those matchups. At least Trophy is always removing something and often removing something that Decay can't hit at all. This is the same reason we often see 3 TS in BGx even if TS is harmful and risky in many matchups. It's a catchall answer in a very diverse format. Trophy fits that bill.
I'm glad you brought up this point. Have you noticed how IOK outnumbers TS is nearly every deck that uses both (except Shadow for obvious reasons). IOK is obviously far more narrow but it has no drawback. Then why on Earth is the split usually 4iok/2ts rather than reversed? Your logic here is already proven (incorrect) by the way people play TS and IOK.
You can't really compare the IOK/TS split with cards that affect board state. All discard spells are meant to be played early to disrupt the opponent, and usually people have a steady curve so there are good IOK targets. However, once we're in the midgame, the opponent is top decking, and has enought lands to cast any spell they draw, having broader removal spells is more important since you need to answer any large top deck. If anything, having more IOK makes Trophy more necessary since you've already taken their cheap cards and now need to answer their expensive threats. Also, IOK can nab instants and sorceries, which decay does not. This is why IOK feels fine against Jeskai where Decay can feel absolutely useless. It's okay if you don't agree with peoples split between cards. I'm just saying comparing hand disruption with permanent removal isn't an exact 1:1.
For hand disruption, I usually play a 3/3 split or a 4/3 IOK/TS split if I go up to seven (So basically always 3 Thoughtseize). I plan on playing all 4 Trophies and no Decays or Pulses unless I see a need to increase my removal suite.
"The worst part isn't the pain, or the smell, or even the fear of death. It's hearing the clatter of bone on stone and knowing the bones are yours."BRG
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You can't really compare the IOK/TS split with cards that affect board state. All discard spells are meant to be played early to disrupt the opponent, and usually people have a steady curve so there are good IOK targets. However, once we're in the midgame, the opponent is top decking, and has enought lands to cast any spell they draw, having broader removal spells is more important since you need to answer any large top deck. If anything, having more IOK makes Trophy more necessary since you've already taken their cheap cards and now need to answer their expensive threats. Also, IOK can nab instants and sorceries, which decay does not. This is why IOK feels fine against Jeskai where Decay can feel absolutely useless. It's okay if you don't agree with peoples split between cards. I'm just saying comparing hand disruption with permanent removal isn't an exact 1:1.
For hand disruption, I usually play a 3/3 split or a 4/3 IOK/TS split if I go up to seven (So basically always 3 Thoughtseize). I plan on playing all 4 Trophies and no Decays or Pulses unless I see a need to increase my removal suite.