mtg mystical archive cards Strixhaven Limited Set Review: Archives function toggle The Mystical Archive · Alchemy:

Your life lose triggers the commander as well, so Dismember has a lot of potential

For one red mana you can deal three damage to any target, making it the first burn spell many players think of first

Creatures don't even need to actually deal combat damage for Hopper's ability to trigger, they just need to have been declared as attackers letting you Maze of Ith or Labyrinth of Skophos a creature to get them out of harm's way but still get that clue

Two mana is fine and as you say, the options it provides are good compensation

On top of that, color can be used in more creative ways when artists dont have to worry about capturing something in a more photorealistic light