>>34103091pokeathalon was great, it was something different to do with friends besides battles/trades.
I didn't bother with the safari, but at least it was a feature... Something to do if you are still playing that long.
TMs were bad I will agree with that.
Kanto always just felt like it was extra, I agree its pretty empty but what other games have a whole other region?
Gym leaders were at least refightable.
Tomagachi tied in with having your pokemon follow you in game, kids could take their pokemon to school basically.