>>12344778>>12344919Because some pokemon are just strictly superior to other pokemon. Even accounting for specific niches and team synergies there are just some pokemon (most of them actually) that would never use see use if everyone only ever used the best of the best of the best.
In order to circumvent this, the fandom has implemented a sort of division of leagues based in specific tiers in order to give each pokemon a medium in which they can shine. Smogon is the generally accepted stewards of the current balance list and they retain the most updated list of tiers for pokemon both new and old.
This has the twofold benefit of creating more variety within competitive play and allowing everyone to find a way to use their favorite pokemon, whatever they may be.
