Quote Originally Posted by Dice_Box View Post
Is it not the point of keywords to be used in place of text blocks? Whats the point if your just going to write out the rules long form?
Not primarily I think, it has more to do with recognition of key mechanics in an environment. Sure, some evergreen keywords like trample etc are used without the rules text, but usually it is to make it easier to get a feel for which cards behaves in the same way and what the general themes in a set are. Revolt, Improvise, Landfall etc are all examples of this. Thinking about it, that's probably why they didn't make use of the Landfall keyword for Tireless Tracker, as making multiple land drops and having that trigger your permanents isn't a theme otherwise in SoI.

If you start leaving out rules text and only make use of keywords that people have to be familiar with to play the game then complexity starts creeping up real fast I think. Would be nicer for experienced players of course, but not for beginners. Can't please everybody. :p