Perhaps you have a lack of one drop threats, perhaps you have a little too much in the way of cards that want artifacts or that need to be in play asap to be effective
To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you're paying (such as a flashback cost), add any cost increases (such as kicker costs), then apply any cost reductions (such as that of Emet-Selch of the Third Seat's first ability)
The harshest criticisms were for many of the Survivors that felt out of place in the set, most of which were loudly alluding to specific 70's/80's horror films
Oketra the True can also be a creature that attacks for 6 double striking damage with a toughness-matters deck in the mold of Doran, the Siege Tower or Baldin, Century Herdmaster
Westgate Regent Being a Vampire makes Westgate Regent a little better because theres good tribal support for it
Herald of Eternal Dawn comes in with a little keyword that helps it sneak ahead just a bit