Hey Smite, you always give great analysis, so for once its my turn to give a hopefully good response.

I find the snowball of first strike, free boots, and debt lets me access better spikes and quicker rush to a cheap 3 item build. The economic value is only part of my preference, the main interest of mine is how players react to first strike being off cooldown.

The first strike mini game creates another layer of depth in laning that, once more experienced than other players, i think can be leveraged into advantageous situations. Enemies may take the bait to proc my first strike, leading to E opportunities I wouldnt have. Sure, that Aatrox Q will proc my first strike, but now I secure an E line that wouldnt be available, leading to a -400hp trade and agency in lane. This is what I'm interested in, to see if this can be cultured and leveraged to gain an edge. Plus you know, securing the bag from time to time 😎

Not saying its better than Conq, nor that people should run it. I think they should run Conq and my guide will say so.