>>36771965Fucking. THIS.
>>36768467>LEVEL SCALING GYMSLEVEL SCALING GYMS
>LEVEL SCALING GYMSLEVEL SCALING GYMS
But really, that, and story elements can be worked around with a little creativity. To progress logically, you'll stop at the nearest towns anyway, but deciding your own route instead of "Welp, this town next!" It also opens up the potential for more than eight gyms in a region. We can finally be motherfucking Gary Oak with 10 badges and flex on 'em.
Wilds aren't that big of a problem either. Just throwing ideas out there, you could have higher level Pokemon spawn periodically, certain areas can be more predisposed to certain levels---maintaining some sense of order, at least. If you're strongest is lvl 12, you PROBABLY shouldn't be out in an area filled with mainly 30-40's.
But just having those type of choices in a Pokemon game would be amazing. It's supposed to feel more like an adventure, not a predestined tour.
Don't remind me this is Game Freak we're talking about. I know I'm dreaming. 