Hi amcjv, thanks so much for getting it started, I can’t imagine how much work goes into actually getting it off the ground. Especially with our engagement not being that high. Personally YCS results and deck lists are what I find most interesting as a non-meta player.
My guess is marbles and bayblades
I did a very very mildly related thing about a year ago trying to set up monthly “Twilight Imperium” teaching games at my local boardgame shop. After the first two months of going and not having enough people show up to actually play we now have 3 different games running each month.
It’s hard to put yourself out there, but you might as well give it a chance
I just beat it with what I would consider mid range, I did use the starting blade for critical hits though. Mostly being in the air a lot is what helped, full blowing the altitude to avoid the claw attacks really helps.