[Redjar]

I just posted this in another thread, that while I'm really a traditionalist when it comes to pokemon (in construct). I would like to see gyms based off of strategies or base stats ( a high phys atk gym for example).

Now this doesn't fully answer the question. So

I really like the aspects of gym leaders. I really do. It is a FANTASTIC well implemented and believable way of showing the player where to go without actually saying "hey, here is the plot. Go there", which is almost literally what other RPG's do. Pokemon is a children's game. So this gatekeeper aspect and hinting (albeit strong hinting) as opposed to mindless "go here" statements prepare children for more advanced games. I would rather not anything more complex. I truly enjoy pokemon as a kids game. I have enough "adult" (lol) games. I don't need more. The simplicity and tradition makes the game a great learning tool in my opinion.