Yes, not being able to control the outcome is bad, but youll either get tokens, deal direct damage, or even use its activated ability twice more, and thats on a 4-mana card
This card began at #2 on my list but then dropped a bit here and there
Just be prepared, if you're looking to buy them, you could have to break open The Money Bin
Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, it not only deals one damage to any opponent, but then also grants you one Red mana
Chromatic Lantern Multicolor decks often struggle with getting the right mana at the right time
Take as two good examples Derevi, Empyrial Tactician, who has an alternate play cost, and Oloro, Ageless Ascetic that always nets you life even when it's in your Command Zone