Everyone could just pick up a starter and start with two pokémon, anyway. Except the dude with the Charmeleon!!!!!! (And anyone else who's ahead already, anyways xD)
I used to do that, but now, I always have like 20~30 pokémon I train simultaneously. Not only it makes the game more challenging because you aren't 10~20 levels ahead, but it's also better to have a lot of options xD
How much grinding are you doing to be 10-20 levels ahead? I'm usually behind. xD Maybe because I try to avoid the random trainers on the road so I can conserve my Pokemon's HP for battles that are required.
I'll post IC when I can. I have a lot of writing to do...