Commander isn't the same as it used to be...and I think I know why.

I have been playing Magic for 12 years of my life. Love this game and all the people I've met through it. I've played almost every format that Magic has to offer but Commander/EDH is the one I've been most involved with.

Commander was a format I loved because it allowed you, the player, to build decks using that random bulk bin legendary creature that you wanted to play or otherwise helped flesh out a particular niche strategy that you couldn't otherwise do in a 60-card format.

Early on, in the 'Wild West' of Commander (2011-2016ish), power levels were subjective and varied widely. Games could end immediately to infinite combos, MLD, or stay and nobody cared! We just shuffled up and played another game. Targeted removal was sparse and decks were varied in strategy/win conditions.

With the recent Commanderification of MtG as a whole though, UB bringing in fresh new faces into our game, and with the recent bracket system debut, I've noticed a disturbing trend...Decks are becoming less unique and more homogenized. I see fewer cool and unique builds around unpopular commanders. Sets drop with Commander staple-level power cards like Gleaming Splendor and players gobble them up for their decks.

With all this power creep, you would think that your average bracket 2 and above 4 player pod consists of 4 players who each have a desire to win using these powerful new tools, right?

However I have found that this is less and less the case. It seems like most games I've played, especially in the last year, end up being 2 hour slogs​ of nothing burger with a side of salt. Opponents are afraid or unwilling to use removal on threats, counter game ending spells, or focus on the player who is in the lead because of fear of hurt feelings.

When did Commander become a game of show and tell instead of a 4 player battle to the death? What made us so soft? I have always come into a game wanting to beat my opponents, but it sure feels like I am the bad guy when I do win. Its not satisfying anymore when someone instant speed scoops to a board wipe or counterspell.

Wondering if anyone else has seen or experienced this themselves? Surely I can't be the only one here who has