Would these game be considered bad remakes, even with the Battle Frontier?

Perhaps. Other stuff should be added/fixed.

>New Routes/Emerald Locations
There's a bunch of landmasses in Hoenn that aren't even used. Those would have made for a nice new route or two. The landmass in the middle of Hoenn, screams this. Other places would have been cool, like the Trainer Tower, Mirage Tower, or an updated Altering Cave.

>Safari Zone
I get what they were trying to do, with getting rid of RNG shenanigans, but they should have tried to save the original concept somehow. The DexNav technically does cover the sneaking portion though. Also, they should have used RS or E's Safari instead of dumbing it down.

>Rematches
And not just from the Gym Leaders too.
We only get to fight a fully realized Brendan/May once. Archie and Maxie should have been re-battleable with full teams as well.

Miscellaneous stuff like Berry Blending with friends, remixing legendary themes from other regions, and GBA Sounds would have been great too. Updated Hoenn Pokemon artwork would have been nice as well, considering the starter trio got them.

That's my two cents on it.