A question regarding card game Magic the Gathering: Phantom card explanation?

The extra +3/+3 from Elephant Guide is NOT treated as 3 +1/+1 counters. Once you get rid of the first 2 +1/+1 counters, it's a 4/3, but all damage dealt to it is still prevented. Also, as a note, you shouldn't complain if cards are "unfair" because the only things stopping you from doing something in Magic are the rules.