Exciton at its lowest is $24, while Vanity's at its is $20. According to TCGPlayer at least. I personally didn't mind trading it away since I trade for what I need, ignoring rarity. I also only ever buy cards when I'm making a deck, meaning I buy them online and by singles so I won't use up more money than I need to. Every now and then though I'll buy a few booster packs, but that's not something I enjoy doing too much.

I don't think Shock Master is TOO bad of a card considering its possible to negate its effect, has relatively low attack for a 3 material card, and can be destroyed by common means.

Some leniency for the more casual decks might be nice.