Cards that are easy to access, work in multiple decks, and remain effective regardless of game state tend to dominate competitive play
Many players enjoyed how the set truly captured the feel of the Phyrexians from the gameplay to the mechanical themes to the art to the overall look and feel of the cards. And here is one of the lessons learned from that same set: The Phyrexian flavor was off-putting
Notably, the same doesn't hold true for good cards: if players take the card they scry, but the next card is even better, they still get to draw that better card next turn (barring something like a fetchland activation)
Whether you're building around politics or just love watching your opponents clash, there's a goad card out there for every playstyle
The second, while afflicted with the dreaded once per turn clause, is also a great way of building board presence as you shenaniganize elsewhere
Since non-basic lands exist, this is very easy to do, allowing Hermit Druid to be an incredibly consistent combo