Interesting but very situational no? I think people would much prefer a phoenix to this.
Would you prefer that almost all the elements had a way to activate the ability?
Sure, phoenix has its uses, but is not that related to this. They are in different niches. I see it as no more of a forced combo than voodoo doll + card.
No, voodoo doll and phoenix are very useful because there are many strategies revolving around them and both are extremely useful. Phoenix's second life is extremely helpful considering how fragile
creatures are. Voodoo dolls have plenty of combos (TU, rage pot, over drive, gravy pull, BB, Freeze, catapulted, holy light), whereas torcherous only has an ability while cloaked or nightfall'd, and the extra 1 permanent damage is so minimal, it can be overlooked.
I see the card changed now. The wording makes it very awkward and I am having a hard time understanding. Care to explain further?