I have to say I actually do like the age groups this year much better than previous years. My first foray into the VGC was stopped by some kid who was a year younger than me who used Destiny Bond, something you probably wouldn't have seen in the Smogon/Skarmbliss metagame. It is a bit hard to prepare for the metagame you know as well as the unpredictable metagame of the larger group that is the common pokemon game fan.
I hopefully won't have to worry about that this year... I'd just rather not have to take any Smogonites out of the top 16. I don't mind losing but I sort of hate when I win, because it's just "oh damn, that was my buddy I just took out".
We'll just have to see what goes down on the battlefield, yeah?
Also, do you expect that parents of juniors/senior might be compelled to play in masters just for the sake of supporting their kid? I know some parents play for reals, but I've met some that play just to be involved and 'understand' the interest their kids have.
I hopefully won't have to worry about that this year... I'd just rather not have to take any Smogonites out of the top 16. I don't mind losing but I sort of hate when I win, because it's just "oh damn, that was my buddy I just took out".
We'll just have to see what goes down on the battlefield, yeah?
Also, do you expect that parents of juniors/senior might be compelled to play in masters just for the sake of supporting their kid? I know some parents play for reals, but I've met some that play just to be involved and 'understand' the interest their kids have.