I have always said to beat aggro you can't beat Hornet Nest,that slows aggressive decks extensivelyrics that and Courser of Kruphix.

Both are great cards, I own a set of each. While they are probably better against some aggro decks they would have to replace cards that are too important.

Sylvan Caryatid is better then Hornet Nest in this deck. The first card you play is a turn two Hexproof 0/3 that taps for any color, the second card is Citadel Siege, so turn three you have a tapped hexproof 2/5 defender that can become a hexproof 4/7 next turn if you want. This is just more reliable, even though putting counters on a Hornet Nest is awesome while it lasts.

I like Satyr Wayfinder better then Courser of Kruphix, the Wayfinder draws an extra card right away and fills the graveyard to find extra targets for Den Protector and Return to the Ranks. I feel like the winner when a Satyr Wayfinder eats removal, even if I spent a couple counters on it.

Ultimately two mana creatures are better because I'm not running Collected Company. I decided against that because I think +1/+1 counters get more value when played on 2-drop creatures then on 3-drops. And it all combos with Return to the Ranks which is actually likely to be really helpful against aggro, I haven't had the chance to try it yet... I may go up to 4x Return to the Ranks's with the sideboard...

I really like this deck but it's currently out of my budget range, do you have any recommendations on what I should substitute? Also what are your thoughts on hardened scales? Thanks and +1 :)

This is it!, with only a month left before rotation, Charging Badger has finally become the biggest threat in the format. The badger holds it own beside Hangarback Walker, Managorger Hydra, Avatar of the Resolute along with Hardened Scales.

Charging Badger + Gleam of Authority is unstoppable.

Charging Badger is also the perfect companion for Servant of the Scale, an ideal target for counters to spread out the value of threats, and it's great in combination with Evolutionary Leap.

When an opponent 'nukes' your Charging Badger, your the winner.