Dies to Removal

I was thinking of block contructed, but I must admit that I'm a bit clueless when it comes to that metagame. So let's skip the idea then.

I'm wondering if there's a more midrangey build where it might work. Would probably need some ramp in the form of Rakdos Keyrune (+ maybe Cluestone?).

Have you tested Chaos Imps as a 1-2 finisher? 6cc might be too much though, but with Exava on board you get a 7/6, flying, trample, haste guy.