Here we have the Sultai mechanic: Delve lets you dump your graveyard in order to reduce the cost of the card
Specifically wanting Deserts in the graveyard, it at least has a bit of a new spin on it, and the first ability can help with commander tax, which is also useful
Most of the time Emrakul is in play she has been put there by a Show and Tell, a Sneak Attack, an Oath of Druids and so on
Then on the occasions you do find yourself in need from a screw or a flood, even a slight one, you are able to limit the damage they cause by getting card quality out of the Shaman
Both markets have passionate followings: English for widespread nostalgia and play, Japanese for uniqueness and premium feel
(2010-08-15) The last ability will cause you to lose the game even if you somehow manage to have a life total greater than 0 at the time the Lich is put into the graveyard or if some other effect would prevent you from losing for having 0 life