Ohh I am just getting used to the tournment stuff myself I just started attending them about a year ago. I really enjoy seeing the people whom battle they aren't as sketchy as one would think :P I am alrite when it comes to standard singles but double battling I am pretty terrible. I plan to really start practicing after my midterms next month... xD
I remember when we were new smogones' this site was busy like a beehive It died down a bit I find. The community is still strong but not so busy. I am sure that will change a month before April though ;) Feel free to drop a line sometime I always try to chat with the people whom are on my friends list from time to time if school isn't dragging me down !
Goodluck on your dex I gave up on that after that crappy certificate you got it pokemon yellow for getting 151