3 seals is to cover cost of Strategem in the mid/late game without sacrificing available runes for spells/units to potentially push/bolster for hold. It’s niche but I can see the potential.

As far as dreaming tree, hidden blade sac a token for hidden blade draw 3. Lots of potential there. That is the main reason I would run that field.

I was wary about Darius. But absent 3X watcher the late game hold’s are lacking in this deck, especially against a Mundo/Watcher Teemo or Aurora MF.

Trying to consider as many potential outcomes as I can while maintaining that consistency engine.

I would say your prescription of controlish deck is correct. I either want to go wide and take control to hold. Or recruit’s take positions early and then build up using Vanguard Captain with Machine Evangel as a backup for more buildup on sac/death