Unless you specifically collect vintage cards, reprints offer better value
Phenax, God of Deception As you can probably assume by the name, Phenax, God of Deception doesnt aim to win using normal methods
While moving counters onto a flying Creature to deal a hefty chunk of unblocked damage can seem appealing, it usually isnt worth siphoning power from your other cards in order to do so
The EtB effect entirely makes up for the fact that Atarka has no defensive capabilities once attacking and also the potential for a large number of the spot and mass removal cards to take him down
It also massively improves your first combat by giving your creatures first strike and untapping them, which allows for much safer and potent aggressive plays
These are fantastic targets for your tutors, because they can get you past an annoying blockade