I probably wouldn't build around it, though the interaction with things like Replenish and Opalescence is hilarious
Creatures with the Persist ability come back from the graveyard after they are destroyed if they have no counters on them, and then receive a -1/-1 counter upon their return
Haste was obviously also welcome when placed along side the other big creatures in the deck, and the option to sacrifice it for a boost meant that you could usefully cash it in when it was no longer useful or you had multiple copies
Despite only providing half of the infamous Doubling Season's effect, it more than earns its place in many player's libraries
When you do, copy it and you may choose a new target for the copy.) Illustrated by Steven Belledin Standard Not Legal Alchemy Not Legal Pioneer Not Legal Historic Not Legal Modern Legal Brawl Not Legal Legacy Legal Comp
You get some graveyard hate, card draw, Treasure production, and a solid outlaw commander to hold most of that batch together