Rats is super fun, to be honest, but you don't need blue to play it. Persistent Marshstalker is kind of nuts once you get it going. Looking forward to watching more of your channel!
I have tinkered with this flash deck both in dimir and mono blue versions I have one point of contention with your version and that is the 4 of gix. I run 0 in dimir now and 4 enduring curiosities. Because it takes me off the draw go plan to play gix and the double black req on turn 3 is tough on a deck that also wants 2 blue mana some times on 3.. I just wish there were a good flash creature for 3 mana to sub for gix. I play the 2 of the 4 mana flash sphinx and 2 more bounce or kill or counter spells.
I have removal in my mono red deck. The misconception that mono red doesn't use removal is a big reason I win at a higher rate than most mono red players.
Just sitting here watching you with all the cards and mana thinking hard “use gix’s ability!!!!” I was thinking hold open 3 U mana for counter spell and fish for a helix instant to do the final damage straight to their face.”