Apparently the designer's rationale is basically "it ain't power creep if it's a bad card".
That is actually true.
Powercreep is when the benchmark for comparing cards gets completely changed. Like, if 3/4 for 2 are now suddenly common and can even have upsides. That is not happening.
You are acting like they are some super greedy bastards that try to sap the money with these ridiculous, you-have-to-pay-or-lodr changes. Blizz is actually doing an awesome job of not being greedy, IMHO. (At least with HS).
For example, if I did have some spare cash, I wouldn't mind spening it on HS. I do not however, and I still have most of the decks I want.
Dr. Boom doesn't need nerf and won't get it. And I am sad cause I have 2 booms but whatchagonnado.
Patron, however. I wouldn't be unhappy or surprised if he gets axe'd (some part of that deck, like Warsong for example).
As for cards, I am again going to wait until the meta stabilizes to build stuff, but my favourite cards so far are
Varyan and Justicar. Justicar just cause it seems so awesome and fun, and Varyan as Control Warrior is by far my favourite deck to play, and Varyan seems like a great add-on.
Edit: Also the guy who puts all secrets in play nad the Murloc Knight.