Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Safety View Post
Well, theorizing is one thing; practical application is another. It may seem bad on the surface but instead may fill a very important role. I am thinking other combo decks are much weaker against chalice@1 (TES, ANT, even Sneak/Show can't cantrip/Spell Pierce/Flusterstorm.) They are definitely in the market for artifact hate that applies to other situations.

TL;DR - Mono-red plays a tricky game by using cost reducers (Medallion) and higher CMC spells. Other decks go with naturally efficient spells at 1 mana, making Chalice better against them.
I've ran Abrade. It is a versatile card to side-in G2/G3 as an instant response to artifact / creature hate. These + Wish targets in the SB, is a solid plan. It all depends on what you are more concerned about. For instance, can you afford your response to Canonist to be countered? If yes, then Abrade is for you... if not, then Rending Volley is better.