On the subject of electrike, I wouldn't say it's "worthless" against the gym, it outspeeds both bunnleby and marill, ohkoing the latter. It also gets twave fairly early on, and we all know the value of a fast twave. It resists fletchy's a-ace, making it a pretty good swap in for him (WoW sucks, but w/e).
In case you were wondering about elec vs bunnel...
0 SpA level 20 Bunnelby mud shot vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD level 20 Electrike: 18-22 (34.6 - 42.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk level 20 Electrike Spark vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Bunnelby: 19-24 (37.2 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0- Atk level 20 Electrike Spark vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Bunnelby: 18-22 (35.2 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk level 20 Bunnelby Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def level 20 Electrike: 10-13 (19.2 - 25%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO
obviously, he steamrolls fletchy and marrill. Can't do anything to that defensive core (which I do think is slightly op, but w/e), but outspeeding and beating out the offensive core is enough reason for the player to at least consider it.
In case you were wondering about elec vs bunnel...
0 SpA level 20 Bunnelby mud shot vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD level 20 Electrike: 18-22 (34.6 - 42.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk level 20 Electrike Spark vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Bunnelby: 19-24 (37.2 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0- Atk level 20 Electrike Spark vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Bunnelby: 18-22 (35.2 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk level 20 Bunnelby Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def level 20 Electrike: 10-13 (19.2 - 25%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO
obviously, he steamrolls fletchy and marrill. Can't do anything to that defensive core (which I do think is slightly op, but w/e), but outspeeding and beating out the offensive core is enough reason for the player to at least consider it.