Although the exact reason why the original idea was discarded when the first prototype of the games was at such an advanced stage of development is unknown, it does not seem unreasonable to think that the concept of representing the entire country did not convince them and they had to rethink the map design
The biggest downside of no Unown G is being vulnerable to Gardevoir Lv.X's Bring Down, but the investment that Gardevoir has to put in to pull off this attack and the downside of giving back your PokePowers makes this play risky for them
The History of the Gift Mechanic in MTG The gift mechanic debuted in 2024's Bloomburrow , with cards like Kitnap, Parting Gust, Valley Rally, Blooming Blast, Perch Protection, and Octomancer showing it off
Cycling for two mana is also a considerable cost in the year 2022
It gives an anthem like a traditional lord, but also taps to make one of your merfolk unblockable
This means if you draw them once you already have all your colors, you can just use them as is