This is a perfect early game surprise for any challenge-focused decks, and with the option to have up to eight one or two ink cost Robin Shift targets in your deck, he should be nice and easy to play on curve
The more plausible scenario in my mind is that after sending out packs to as many entrants as they feasibly could (I imagine it was hard to track down and mail these in the days before standardized personal emails and tHe iNTeRnET) they likely sent packs to established hobby stores like OPs in hopes to stir up some orders for other PTCG products and Organized Play
To some, it's a powerful boardwipe
And don't forget it still enters tapped!) If a card with eternalize is put into your graveyard during your main phase, you'll have priority immediately afterward
I still maintain that Saxes perception of the card is a bit generous if mine is slightly harsh
Here, you need numbers, or else Unleash Fury or Temur Battle Rage will often be better