This theme was very important to the design as it helped us created cards that could swing multiple directions, that is they had value to different parts of the set
The unveiling of new set mechanics is always my favorite part of spoiler season, since their quality has a huge impact on how we perceive that expansion
Also, note that there are tons of great card-draw in White that's not here like Sage's Reverie, Stone Haven Outfitter, Lady of Laughter and the legendary Faramir, Field Commander that have various triggers either ETB or over time when something happens.
Toph, The First Metalbender The "flavor" of Toph is off the charts with this card, and she can animate any of your nontoken artifacts into 2/2 creatures with haste, meaning it can attack immediately after being "awakened." Best of all, if the artifact is destroyed, it comes back tapped and can resume being an ordinary artifact on your next turn