hey guys i am just wondering what the battling scene is like nowadays because i haven't played in a while

is stealth rock still mandatory?
also is it even worth it to REALLY get into battling at all because I feel like stupid bullshit like crits and just sheer luck in prediction of switches kind of ruin it. it's kind of coinflippy in nature. i feel like playing any number of fighting games would be a better 1 vs 1 competitive experience. tell me your opinions bros.