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First of all it's a talking meowth, that's rare in and of itself. Secondly it's because even your worst assets are worthwhile - they might be incompetent, hell, they're not even incompetent, they just have plot karma working against them, but they get out there, and they set up a new scheme all the time. It's a little headcanon-y but I'd always assumed they pull small heists in between portions of stalking Ash and co. where they fund their larger pursuits - namely capturing pikachu for because they're stubborn I guess?
Also it's worth noting that before the three met Ash they were on an undeterminably long hot streak. Their often scattered origins essentially places the three of them as down-on-their-luck TR recruits, and they came together forming a pretty solid team.
I guess they just get shit because they exist in the realm of a G rated family anime where they can't possibly win because it would spread a bad message. Also, in-universe, it does seem like they're the only TR agents working in several regions that we're aware of, so that has to count for something. I know for certain the reason they're kept around for Kalos is because they straight up gave their Unova Pokemon to the boss - they even felt bad about it, they just knew it was the only thing they could do
TR for best characters in the show quite possibly the franchise?
