You can not cut power from the Human list and expect same results. I have tried this in the development of the deck. The 4 moxes are minimum to be able to compete on the long run. In some games it will matter less, but you will need the power to increase win percentage with the deck in the long run (statistics). And I would advise the full 5 mox package if you own the cards or are allowed to use proxy. Black Lotus is not a must, but if you happen to own one, use it!
Interesting statistics... because I have found the opposite to be true when playing creature heavy decks. I've found that once you meet the natural curve out of the deck(usually around a cc of two) all the extra moxen you rip hinder the decks ability to produce threats since the moxen don't immediately impact your opponents board. I comprehend the wanted acceleration on turn one, but wonder if the blank draw of topdecking a mox in the mid-game is worth it? I mean your already slower that pretty much every fully powered blue deck so why would you want to increase your blank draws in the late-game?
And I also partly disagree on your comment that this deck is straightforward. Sometimes it does play itself out, but most of the times you need to make a lot of choices (Cavern, Tutoring, what to waste, when to pass for transform, what to decay, ...)
It is pretty straightforward. You can say the same the same thing for Dredge being straightforward, but having to know when to Bazaar, Dredge, cast Ingot Chewer, etc...
Just some thoughts.
EDIT: Sick article Nat! I like how you've structured your articles in an introductory manner. It makes a great starting point for people getting started in the format.
Yes, you don't want to topdeck too many mana sources in the classical aggro decks loaded with bears. But humans isn't really fitting that profile anymore. It is a controling, tutoring, hating, beating deck. Sensei Top is in my list now and it is not going out anytime soon. Ooze is a great sink, Shaman also likes mana. Meanwhile yo do want to keep casting things. You have to be able to cast a demonic or vampiric (another card that is in my list and is not going out anytime soon), or the other instants through a Thalia. It is key to have a lot of mana around with 3cc Humans, Exava... And in the Workshop and Landstill match up, mana is of utmost importance. Moxes are very important in this deck, and chances or chance calculation etc are
statistics in the long run. I am the one to talk to if you want the most data. I try to save most of the replays and I watch some of my games to recognize patterns/mistakes/etc. And sometimes, you hold out moxes in your hand to bust out when they least expect it. Moxes are great
