I think "the first time [this turn]" is actually way more computationally complex ("inelegant") and feels worse
rather than responding to your opponents interaction with a trick, this Orzhov card encourages your opponents to point their removal elsewhere
1 Emrakul, The Aeons Torn Emrakul, the Aeons Torn is banned in Commander, just like Griselbrand, because it's such an unbelievably powerful legendary creature with game-ending effects
However, in competitive Magic: The Gathering formats, other cards like Primeval Titan or Emrakul, the Aeons Torn may offer more immediate game-changing effects, potentially making Dragonlord Atarka less optimal for top-tier play
Teysa is a perfect commander for its colors and also for having instant speed threat removal