I think it is a good card, and I can't believe that you think it would somehow be better if it started out dead as it would be completely over powered if it cost no mana even in its dormant state. It doesn't matter if the flame imp can trade into it, because silence/hex/polymorph/devolve are the mechanics which actually remove it permanently from the board.
I think it is a good card, and I can't believe that you think it would somehow be better if it started out dead as it would be completely over powered if it cost no mana even in its dormant state. It doesn't matter if the flame imp can trade into it, because silence/hex/polymorph/devolve are the mechanics which actually remove it permanently from the board.
Edit: It also has great synergy with Shadowcaster and Barnes.
Every card is a 2 drop if your opponent plays Dirty Rat.