Well the deck is finished (except updating the mana base but I find that part fairly easy). Thanks for the comments. They definitely helped me make the last few cuts.

On Path to Exile: hadn't thought of it as a self ramp piece but there are few creatures in the deck and only one creature-token producer. Good idea that I'll keep in mind if I swap something out in the future.

On Ancestral Anger: It isn't a strong card and a sorcery but there aren't a ton of instant speed red cantrips (same reason to keep Panic). I ended up cutting Rile instead because it is strictly worse. It will be swapped out once they print a new one mana red cantrip.

On the counters: Mana Tithe was the weakest option of them all. I like the possibility of a big play where an overloaded Cyclonic Rift is countered but admit this would be few and far in between. Red Elemental Blast and Pyroblast, while being inflexible against non-blue, are rarely a miss in my meta. Plus, the added utility of being able to blow it up or counter is useful.

Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin would be a fun voltron that isn't busted like other krenko. Also, mono red tends to be easy to pilot.

Liesa, Shroud of Dusk can be made to not be overpowered. Mostly just fill with lifegain and a few ways to protect your commander.

Gargos, Vicious Watcher: Big dumb hydras. Big dumb hydras attack everything. Nikya of the Old Ways could be another beat down option that tends to be easy to pilot.

Jhoira of the Ghitu can be oppressive if built will eldrazi titans or fun if made with large krakens and other spells.

Shalai, Voice of Plenty: GW +1/+1 counter and ramp deck. A lot of easy synergies to play with. She is hard to interact with but countered with how she tends to be slow (and doesn't grant herself hexproof).

Link to Deck

Need to cut four cards and hitting a wall.