What's with the hate towards Chikorita?

It's cute and adorable. Bayleef is by far the best middle stage starter evolution. I know Meganium looks a bit goofy but he's still a total bro.

Chikorita is the best choice for singleplayer playthrough, it's bulky, can use status moves, and fares the best against Whitney's Miltank which Quilava/Croconaw have difficulties with.

I used to be just like you:
>"meh chikorita looks weak and is for girls"
>"OH YEAH TOTODILE IS SO AWESOME!"
>"WOAH COOL BLAZING FIRE CYNDAQUIL!"
Untill I actually tried Chikorita once. I breezed through the game easier than with the other starters, I was seriously impressed. Most people that shit on Chikorita have never actually played it.

Now Snivy, that's an absolute piece of shit. It has a smug face that I would love to punch to death. Worst grass starter goes to the green Ekans clone.

tl;dr: chikorita is the best gen 2 starter