So in essence, Jaheira is treated both as a theme spell and a ramp spell, while only being 1 card out of the 99 rather than being 2 cards
Prowess of the Fair Elf decks can use Prowess of the Fair as a form of insurance against removal, plus it adds an elf permanent to the board for payoffs like Priest of Titania
Rather, I'll only talk about this year and, specifically, about the new keywords and mechanics printed on Magic cards this year
It plays offense and defense equally well, and there are probably combo applications for the type-changing ability, too
Where Auron, Venerated Guardian separates itself is the ability to grab multiple creatures and one or two attacks is often more than enough to put it out of range for combat damage and red removal to destroy it