Rivals were my second biggest dissapoimtment of rse, so I'm happy they're going to be improved. Beating blue was what got me into Pokemon, so I'm still not happy with these "rivals," because there's no motivation to beat them, but these are remakes, so I'm ok with them following the source material.
And about the battles being too easy or reasonable, seriously people? This is a game for 10 year olds, if you want a challenge, find it in post game or competitive community, the story is supposed to be winnable by 10 year olds that just go through with their starter and maybe a few others they liked. Brawley's makuhita being under leveled or the rival's team being too hard isn't that big of a deal, especially how early in the game they are