You're missing the Blind Seer in the Weatherlight deck.  I'd be loath to leave out Urza (albeit incognito) when throwing together a deck of that theme.

Starke of Rath is notably absent as well.  Despite his earlier role in the story, he would probably be thrown in the Weatherlight deck as well.

If you're planning on delving into a G/U/R deck, one of the sleeker builds currently existing would be Hyperion's Madness deck.  That could be worth looking into.

A metagame rife with aggro is typically indicative of a pretty disparate "scene."  Really, the only true use that decks such as Ankh Sligh and X-Land Stompy have is facilitating the victory of people with good decks so the round will end quickly, thus allowing the better player to get a soda or something.  Mid-round Diet Pepsis are all the more sweeter.

Things do ebb and flow, though.  That having been said, I have to side with Steve in that sending an opponant from 20 to 0 by swinging with creatures alone is a pretty daunting task, and will mostly relegate aggressive decks to hybrid builds.

1. How many decks capable of winning a good-sized tournament should exist in a "healthy" format?
I would say that three, as Schoolhouse Rock is so quick to remind us, is the magic number.  Though there is a more convoluted achetype model in contemporary Magic, there should be a main representative from each "extreme" (Aggro, Control, Combo) capable of consistent success.  The remainder of the metagame in a hypothetical "healthy format" would be hybrid decks designed to combat specific hegemonies (much like Fish's ability to deal with Control notably well, while lacking "game" against aggressive builds).  Ideally, a budget deck or two would be viable, which would aid in increasing tournament turn-out, and foster the player base.

2. Ideally, how defined is the metagame in a "healthy" format?

If one can construct a plausible deck gauntlet consisting of 3+x decks ("x" being the number of hybrid decks commonly used to combat an established metagame hegemony) against which one could pit a deck to test viability, a metagame is healthy.  If one deck dominates via "unfair broken-ness" (which sounds redundant, but truly isn't), a metagame may then fall from grace.  

3. How to you propose to measure a "healthy" format?

A healthy metagame can be defined through player satisfaction.  My psychologist instincts want to blurt out the knee-jerk reaction of "Issue a survey!", but the sample size would have to be fairly large to elicit truly significant results (don't believe the n=30 principle, friends!).  Though not readily quantifiable, through deductive intuition dissatisfaction can be assertained.  Various quantifiable factors can be measured to create a universal measure (change in player population, tournament attendance, player reactions to cards of interest, etc); it's not impossible.

I've been playing around with Frenetic Efreet in a more aggressive build of U/r Fish, and I've found it to be mediocre at best.  He may not be the best choice in a trichromatic build; the three slot should be inhabited by something that can truly speed up your damage clock.  For that reason, I feel Call of the Herd is worth testing.

On the other hand, how often are coins checked by DCI judges?  If you were to bring in a loaded coin, the Efreet's value spikes significantly.

Not that I advocate cheating, of course.  *Dodges incoming Brick of Morality(TM)*

.6364 > .7?  *Is a nerd*

A nice tournament report, though it's a shame you didn't get to play against the Onslaught Block Beast deck.  The power of Berserk Murlodont could have finally been appreciated.

That's right.  Schneider created both decks, Geeba and Fish heads.

Essence Flare = the best creature removal ever.

Yet another great article from the maw of Menendian.  Nice job!

Belcher doesn't seem to be commonly discussed- a fact that made pitting it against one of Type 1's "big dogs" all the more interesting.  As it's been mentioned, combo deck articles are typically interesting, and when said articles delve more into theory rather than a step-by-step concerning how to kill the person across the table, the article is definitely improved.

Have you considered doing articles that offer parallel comparative analyses?  For instance, pitting both FCG and Goblin Sligh against the same deck to point out why the former is the better to play while still outlining the intricacies of both decks?

I feel as though the semi-casual nature of the format contributes to the vehemence people with which people are willing to defend it.  The fact that there are only a handful of people willing to truly analyze the state of the format and develop/tweak/innovate decks to accommodate that state, and the additional fact that many people are perfectly content with showing up with Random.dec and going 1-6, puts us in a position in which we feel the need to almost affirm our validity at every turn.  "Sure," it's easy to say "we're a laid back crowd that largely plays for the much-exalted 'love of the game'," but at the same time any time when people assert Type 1 is semi-casual there is a great insurgence of people who point out individuals X, Y, and Z that are truly taking a professional look at Type 1.

I, personally, don't see why some feel the need to try asserting validity to the Magic population-at-large.  Anyone who truly has interest in the format will quickly realize that Type 1 is indeed a valid format, while the cries of those who assail the format from afar will be largely deafened by their noted inexperience.  This was largely the case with Bleiweiss' article; many were able to ascertain that Benny might not be thoroughly entrenched in "avant-garde Type 1," so to speak, and as such treated his article relatively lightly.

Type 1 should ultimately be viewed in a way similar to other formats.  It's competitve to a degree, casual to a degree, and for the most part people play for the sake of playing the game/small cash/card prizes.  Anyone who views their respective format of choice as something to be worshiped is ignorant.

In a way, Type 1 does experience a sort of rotation.  It's been well documented that as of late new sets have contributed something to the format, though they may not be the "format breakers" that Psychatog was.  As Type 1's prevalence increases, we can definitely expect a greater infusion of cards "from Type 2," as Wizards may see our demographic as one worth catering to on a more frequent basis.  As such, there could be some semblance of a "rotation," per se, though it would definitely not be as frequent as Type 2's.  

Stagnation is additionally staved off by the occasional banned and restricted announcment.  If a certain number of decks remain powerful for a given period of time without much "tweaking," some component of those decks could be misconstrued as "dangerous" (or something to that effect).

I suppose my point is as such: as it has been mentioned, there will always be space for rogue deck development due to general Magic principle concerning "The Deck," "The Anti-Deck," and so forth.  Though those decks may not be "viable" in the true sense of the buzz-word, the prospect of creating a "rogue" deck through careful analysis of one's metagame and the tools one has available will always be present.

Lotus Petal isn't very useful in any deck with the exception of those based on a combo.  As posted decklists would indicate, this particular deck is fairly tight in its construction.  Fast mana sources are available through ESGs, and quite frankly those are all you need.  In most aggressive decks, you'll find that Lotus Petal is rather extraneous.

To _r_x (or whatever the heck the username is):  Oxidize*  That's been bugging me.

Even given the similarity between the Roar's converted cost and Mindslaver's, Mindslaver can still be powered out relatively early via Workshop or Mana Drains.  Powering this card out early would either a.) do nothing, or b.) have somewhat neutral returns.  This is a late game card to be sure.

That having been said, can any deck that would benefit from it currently accommodate this card?  Most decks I can think of that strive for double-white do so to lay down an angel or something obscure like Humility.

This card probably requires a deck to be built around it, and that deck probably wouldn't be very "viable."  Hooray for pessimism.

As an aside: I'd actually consider this a good sign for white.  R&D is currently dipping their toes into the pool of powerful "whiteish" effects, and is probably understandably reticent to bring those effects down to ~4 casting cost (wasn't Worlds 2000 the competition that was rife with Replenish decks?).  Over time the costs will probably decrease when everyone realizes: "Hey, perhaps giving White some good things isn't such a poor idea after all!"  It's nice to see powerful white cards outside of another Wrath of God rehash.

I feel as though what we've stood witness to for the past few years is simply indicative of the power flux that's inherent to the development of sets.  A peak was reached somewhere within the time period Odyssey, Onslaught, and Mirrodin coming off a balenced yet good block in Invasion and a "dip" block like Mercadian Masques; Masques, of course, an answer to the insane Urza block which ramped up from the less powerful Tempest block, so on and so forth.  We should come to expect periodic card insurgences.  If we don't experience them, it indicates a lack of innovation or design quality on the part of R&D.  Unfortunately, I feel as though Type 1 will inevitably reach a point of critical mass at which point the cards in the environment can no longer be replaced by cards that are "strictly better," as any strictly better iteration of a card would be insane.  

What is the result of this critical mass?  A field with a larger variety of decks.  New cards are added that are potentially without peer, as R&D will no doubt choose innovation over "broken-ness."  Some decks will be answers to other decks, which will itself have a few answer decks gunning for it and so on.  

The metagame will inevitably expand or stagnate.  The former, obviously, is preferable.

Every time someone mentions Force of Will being restricted an angel is hit by a Mack truck.

Wizards is a capricious dame.  Even though every good article that's appeared on large sites has supplied us with exhortation after exhortation about the healthiness of the format, you can never know if some random-but-vociferious individual has caught R&D's ear with whines of "OMG fod chayn = borken!!1".

If I had a position of power in R&D, I would fiddle with the minds of the consumer via bans and restrictions.  Nothing that would assumedly drive players away, but just random curveballs to test the mettle of players.  "Let's see them play without their precious Mana Drains!" I would say as thunder clapped in the distance and a murder of crows flew overhead.

I love you, Swanky. -Dr. S.

The environment is fine, and I hope R&D has sense enough to not restrict anything.

Gush was good in GAT because 1.) it was free, and 2.) because in addition to the two cards it drew you, it would net you two additional cards-in-hand in the form of your bounced Islands; your 'Tog would then be the proud recipient of a +6/+6.  Add your other cards in hand, the cards in your graveyard, and a timely Berserk, and suddenly you would have the ability to inspire the purest of humility in an opponent.  I knew Jack Kennedy, and you sir are no Jack Kennedy.

It's a nice card, though.

How cool!  My Bloody Suicide build can finally deal with the CoPs that have been ravaging my metagame.

*End Sardonic Comment*

Tech!

Long ago my friend ran a deck that was similar in structure to Razvan's, only he used Nettling Imp (provoke, what!) to set up creature assassinations as well.

My first deck held a vast army of merfolk (of the Vodalian Soldier, River, and Pearl Trident varieties) and their leader, the lord.  Just when my defeat would seem imminent, I would slap down the real Superman:  the "Fat Moti" himself, [card]Mahamoti Djinn[/card].

Here here.  I feel as though Magic will always be a game where one color (sans the omnipotent Blue) will always be "Green."  I've been happy to see Green's convalescence in the format, but in the process of Green's "mainstreaming" White was ushered out the back door and taken away a la Mussolini.  I doubt there will ever be a time when all colors are (to an extent) equally enjoyed in a competitive sense.  

But I have a dream, ladies and gentlemen... :P

It's been said in the past, and I wholeheartedly agree: All white needs is an efficient way to draw cards.  The idea of "good cantrips" was introduced; I'd say that's plausible.

What?  No Goblin King?  :P  Who will lead your army?

This will be a hit in casual circles, that's for sure.  I may throw a few copies in my faithful (and awful!) aggro-fish deck.

For clarification: The preceding was not a great Type 1 insight.  Do not play aggro-fish.

It's an interesting card, indeed.  As many have pointed out, Null Rod neuters this card with a rusty ice-cream scoop.  Its constructed applications are limited, but it's definitely a nice "fun card."

Seismic Apprentice (R)

When Seismic Apprentice comes into play, each player sacrifices a land.  If any land sacrificed in this manner is a non-basic land, sacrifice Seismic Apprentice.

2/1

Seismic apprentices, eager to prove themselves to their master, often forego the part of training concerned with aim, thinking it to be too rudimentary for their level of achievement.

----

With this card, I wanted to accomplish two things:  1.) An early drop for Red Land Destruction decks (a guilty casual pleasure of mine), and 2.) a card with humorous flavor to it. (the imagery of a reckless adolescent mage being swallowed up by a fissure of his own creation made me snicker a sadistic snicker)

A decent Jackal Pup-ian threat with a modified Raze attatched to it, I feel as though this card may be undercosted.  I considered making it a 2/2, as most decks (as far as Type 1 is concerned, at least) running many non-basics would take great joy in 2-for-1'ing a 2/1 with another early threat, but that seemed far too good for only one red mana.

The non-basic element was added in order to allow relatively-easy removal for more controllish decks that may not enjoy an early threat of this variety, while making it a decent threat against oft-monochrome aggro decks.

Tear it asunder!

A card such as this one will ask a higher price initially, but it will slowly dip until it reaches 1 dollar rare status when people realize the card has no amazing constructed potential (speaking in the context of the current card pool).  Once that happens, though, I'll probably pick up a playset for a fun multiplayer deck.  Instant creatures in multiplayer = not so bad.

Winding Canyons = pwnd.

I used to love 5CG back in the days of Mirage Block for some inexplicable reason.  While those days are dead and have been destroyed without possibility of regeneration (that is, buried), she definitely has casual potential in conjuction with Quirion Dryad.

I agree with Ric- she'll be a coveted Limited prize.  I wouldn't pass her up.

I can't help but feel as though there will be some variety of Gro deck in Extended that will utilize the Adept.  Unfounded speculation is pretty fun.

The art leaves something to be desired.  Christopher Rush should stick to flora!

I'd be forced to agree with you guys.  This is definitely one of the few cards that can go "Zephyr Falcon, Win."

Though, I'm not sure if "a whole lot more mana" is necessary.  I might increase color intensity by adding another white mana symbol or two (as this card seems to be more in the white realm of law and control), and throw on a few colorless mana.

A cost of 2UWW seems fair, though the effect is - as Jacob pointed out - a fairly broken one.  While I had taken the abusability of "eternal warrior" creatures in conjunction with this (my mind retrograded to Swanky circa 1995 as I saw a Serra Angel floating gleefully over this card), a secondary intent of the permanent Orim's Chant (its primary, obviously, being the lock on your opponent) was an attempt at attaining balance by preventing the use of traditional Stasis cards like Boomerang, Rescue, Gush, Daze, etc.  Though as Magic proves time and time again, symmetrical effects are often anything but. :)

Null Hypothesis UW

Enchantment

Each player skips their untap phase.
Each player cannot play spells.
Pay U or W during your upkeep, or sacrifice Null Hypothesis.

The null hypothesis assumes no change.

I enjoy both the name and flavor of this.  Stasis is a card that I used to be in love with, but the deck has since been relegated to my deck box for quite some time.  Its glory days have long since ended.

Blue/White control is a classic deck that never truly leaves casual circles, and this would be a fun inclusion.

To a lover of statistics, this is like a cool glass of water on a summer day.  Bravo!

Relic Barrier > Type 1

I would agree with Dr. Sylvan's predictions 100-percent.  4 Tolarian Academies was a scary thing, and I doubt things would have turned for the worst since then.

Though Academy and Long were rightfully committed to the deck asylum, at least they had the courtesy of merely showing how broken they were on either turn 1 or 2 and finished the match with enough time left in the round for you to run and grab a soda or something; Legend Blue was just annoying.

<3 the Balance deck.

2 Serendib Efreets.