In Commander it goes in angels decks, especially those led by Akroma, Vision of Ixidor and a partner in the key color(s), the particular kind of control decks helmed by Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite, and as a nice piece of the Alesha, Who Smiles at Death puzzle
Abaddon and his forces are so powerful in Warhammer 40,000 lore that they literally tore the galaxy in two, divided by a tremendous warp rift known as the Cicatrix Maledictum
Sure, a measly +1/+1 counter doesn't seem like much, but when you have the deck built around it and include graft cards like Plaxcaster Frogling and Helium Squirter, you can really start doing your opponents some favours, which of course is the number one way to ingratiate yourself to those who might otherwise wish to do you harm
Chip damage has been hit by inflation, and because progressing a game plan in a deck that revolves around attack/damage triggers requires constant forward momentum, the person in last place (or with the least developed board) is often a punching bag for value