>>532438401/2 > 5 > 6 > 7 > 3 > 4 > 8 > 9
Honestly I think the only real change is that Gens 3 or 4 get a way worse reputation.
Gens 1/2 didn't really need enhanced versions. Yellow/Crystal have better pixelart, but they're not essential to play.
RS without Emerald / FRLG probably muddies its reputation overall. Many players left thinking GS was "The End" of Pokemon. Old Pokemon were unobtainable, you had to go to obscure events to collect everything, post-game content was considerably weaker than GSC's Kanto adventure. But some people like Hoenn's map design, so it would have some cult following.
DP falls pretty low without Platinum. It's just RS but slower. Lots of lore, but Platinum is what really elevated it.
BW is ok without BW2 as a self contained story driven game.
XY comes with some of the most additions in any single game, and one of the best battle systems in the series. The return of classic Pokemon after many years would be a-lot stronger without previous game remakes. But some issues that keep it from being higher. The Gyms are at their weakest, and the characters don't have as much development as Unova in the previous game. Performance in 3D is also shaky, and shows signs of struggling to grow from pixelart.
SM is very experimental and lacking the complete Island Trials from USUM. Parts of the map feel empty, like the construction lots across Alola or the unfinished Victory Road. Still has some of the slowest pacing of any game, which turns many people off from enjoying it. But fans might still enjoy the plot of Lillie and her family, or the attempt to do something new.
SwSh is still controversial because of the dexcut, and no DLC means that the Galar Region's overall world map is still unpopular.
Scarlet/Violet is a mess and we're still waiting for a good patch.
