>>24598438Blue is objectively the best, as he's a villain the player has the most emotional connection with. He's a constant recurring obstacle which is cemented by him stealing the championship before you, and he has a team comprised of the best pokes in the region.
Lance is lame because he's more of a flying trainer than he is a dragon-type.
Steven is average, strong/thematically fitting team and all, but his minimal role in the plot means he doesn't have much narrative strength backing him.
Wallace is absolute shit. Literally just shoehorned in because they felt they needed a different champion to make Emerald more unique.
Cynthia is same tier as Steven, maybe a bit higher if only because she has a more frustrating, varied team.
Alder is central to the plot, has a dimension of wisdom/experience/humanity adding to his depth, and a team of underrated pokes that can still kick your ass.
Iris is only slightly less shoehorned than Wallace, and has a harder team to beat.
Diantha is just below Steven and Cynthia, if only because she's completely lacking involvement in the plot, and her team is lame (two dragon-types and a Gourgeist??).
