I wonder if something like the buff to angel would make him somewhat viable, where he would come on the field even if he's in your hand.
I know that means you'd have less reason to actually play the card when you do have him, but at least his ability would have a better than 25% chance of activating.
Honestly this is why I prefer the "alternate universe" theory. I know the writers claim he stayed in the main timeline, but I don't buy it exactly for the reasons you mentioned. Alternate universe lets him fix problems rather than just letting all that stuff happen.