That makes Balthor more affordable than Rise of the Dark Realms both in- and out-of-game, and only one of those can be cast from the command zone
If an Equipment with reconfigure somehow loses its abilities while it is attached, the effect causing it to not be a creature continues to apply until it becomes unattached
This mechanic is the perfect way to represent the classic Summons from Final Fantasy (also variously known as Espers, Aeons and Eidolons depending on the series entry)
Also note that if you remain the Monarch in your upkeep for a round of turns, you'll make a free 5/5 flying Dragon token
The more redundancy you have on early-game acceleration, the more reliably you can cast expensive cards higher up on the curve
Creatures (30) 3 Giant Killer 4 Seasoned Hallowblade 3 Skyclave Apparition 4 Luminarch Aspirant 2 Halvar, God of Battle 3 Usher of the Fallen 2 Reidane, God of the Worthy 4 Professor of Symbology 1 Mila, Crafty Companion 4 Retriever Phoenix Planeswalkers (3) Lands (23) Spells (4) This is a classic deckbuilding study