If gen 8 is truly open world (they're jumping on the open world trend, kek) than I would really hope if there are gyms that you could chose which gym to go to at any given, and a system for important trainers that have their team and or Pokemon evolved depending on the level of YOUR team. Off the topic, but in Pokemon generations, its implied the gym battles you fight depend on how many badges you have. Brock used geodude and onix to go against red and his team. I hope they do this, I know you have doubt's but it is a different director. So have hope