Hearthpwn

I've watched part of the stream this deck came from and tried it. It's OK. Like Firebat said himself, it's mostly the anti-pirate warrior version of Quest Rogue. Unlike the other Quest Rogue decks who get's crushed by Pirates most of the time.

Shiv and Fan of Knives are only good for early turns against hunter's 1 drops and pirate warrior's 1drops. Otherwise they're abysmal against any other kind of deck on the ladder right now. (Taunt warrior is 75% of the games I play these days). The Vanish version of this deck is much more successful against control / taunt and really swings the game against hunter when you're up against things like a full board of beefy beasts + Savannah Highmane.

Does the vanish version cut fan or shiv?

Played 10 or so games with this deck. Not a fan. Shiv and fan of knives are way too slow. And there is absolutely no way for dealing with a big board. Vanish and backstab are much better imo. I like the taunts he is including though.

I'm sure firebats has good reasons for making it the way he did, but I'm really not understanding. Even in the videos, when he doesn't get a great starting hand, he often loses.

It is a must. It will bail you out of some difficulties, and win you some matches.

no swashburglar? thought he was almost staple in any quest rogue deck?

it is "fun" but not consistent per-say 

Don't be too rough on the poor kid, there's a ton of people saying that it HAS to be in the deck.