Originally Posted by
Avatara
Merfolk was viable when it had mostly 3 mana lords.
Don't forget that we have efficient creatures like Goblin Guide, Lavamancer and Loyalist. We also have semi two mana lords in Goblin Wardriver and that kicker +1/+0 goblin with haste. We can also run Lavamancers without any trouble. Cards like Goblin Guide are creatures that Merfolks simply doesn't have any access to.
A guide, piledriver/wardriver, chieftain/king/auntie are a really fast clock surely when combined with burn. Also opposing creatures would simply be burned or removed with Path to Exile.
The lord plan will only kick in after turn three, we use other cards the first few turns.
There is no way that Merfolk could ever compete with our reach. We can pack the same amount of removal as a Zoo deck, while still reaching critical mass with lord just like they do.
/edit: concern the way the meta game is developing.. I'd be happy if Vial Gobvantage would even be tier 3.
/redit2: It's also not as if Wizards hasn't been printing any good goblins cards as of late.. the problem is that they don't fit into vial variants.