That definition isn't perfect, but it's closer than it might seem
Blue decks tend to be slow and patient, gradually building up card advantage and other resources until they're ready for the endgame, which is perfect for a midrange-oriented, moderately powerful format like Commander
executive producer Stephen Ricossa explained that the game's creative vision had "missed the mark"
Nalia de'Arnise being three means the deck can come online very early and consistently, and the mana base, while simple, is very effective
Tapping a Swamp for mana gives you double the amount of mask counters on it
Especially since the printings of Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer and Dragons Rage Channeler, the steal a casting cost 1 nonland-permanent mode has become very important and overall buffed the playability of the card