Find me a fire dragon that is a strong as this and I'll believe you.
Currently Fire Dragons are as follows:
Crimson Dragon is 12|3 for 10
OK so thats pretty good but can be killed fast as well.
Phoenix is 8|3 for 10 plus 4|1
This basically makes it stronger when you look at the comparetive theorum but that just depends on how you use them.
I suppose in someways the Hatch would have been good but I really didn't want to go down the OP route.
PLus remember the SYnergy of these cards is what you are after.
So your Phoenix does how much damage in the 2 turns it is +2 and how many of them you have in play I suppose.
I seem to be talking in circles today but I see your point.
Scyther