Izzet Spellementals' core threats Hearth Elemental (mana value 6), Eddymurk Crab (mana value 7), and Sunderflock (mana value 9) are all far above the mana value 2 ceiling of Requiting Hex and completely untouched by Erode's creature-based removal relevance here, so both come out. Ghost Vacuum exiles their graveyard cards to slow Hearth Elemental and Eddymurk Crab's cost reduction, which scales off instants/sorceries and adventure cards in the graveyard, while also offering a late-game reanimation plan of its own. Duress proactively strips their best cantrip-chain enabler like Prismari Charm or Traumatic Critique before they can protect or grow their threats. Focus on applying early pressure since their engine needs time to assemble.