Since nobody has mentioned this in the last 3 pages, I'll assume it's safe to bring it up (potentially) for the second time.
I think the unupgraded version is UP. My main reason is that it is too expensive.
A cost of 5
is no deal breaker, and given you have to wait a turn to Endow anyway, the extra 3 is not outrageous. However there's the additional cost of whatever weapon you want to Endow. Honestly I haven't tried an unupped shortsword rush but it sounds very crappy (9
for a 5/5, wow!). This says to me that most player's unupped Meta will include a weapon which will could easily cost 5
. 5
+5
+3
+ enough
to Snipe, doesn't sound so fun!
I think it could fairly receive a buff, namely one of what I see as the two it gets from being upgraded. Either give it +1/+1, or reduce the ability cost.
I'm sure we're all aware of the spectacle of upped Anubis. Please God please (I'm talking to Zanz, duh), make him an 8/8. He'll finally see some use! I swear to you an 8/8 Anubis will be ever so popular
Anyway that's my rambly thoughts down!