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I don't dislike Tobias.
Ash' DP anime character arc was done aka blow the fuck out of Paul. There was an arc, it was built up, and was given a satisfying conclusion. Anything else after it was a bonus.
He was bullshit? Of course. He was a last minute plot device to cockblock Ash from the league? For sure. He was doomed to lose? Certainly. But despite losing, all that fight did was make Ash look good because he was LITERALLY the only person in ALL OF SINNOH who could beat Darkrai. And on top of that when Tobias sends Latios out of nowhere that no one ever knew existed Ash sends Pikachu and Pikachu fucking soloes it (to a draw).
Ash lost? Sure. Did it also make you think "Ash may have lost the league but this proves he's a fucking awesome trainer and he has grown up".
I also don't dislike Alan either.
He was a good character, with his own character arc, motivations, goals, etc. And likewise his rivalry with Ash had proper build-up. He was not a rival out of nowhere like 99% of Ash league defeats.
