>>34196567Protagonists are the Pokegirl Bread and Butter, being player avatars or co-stars in the anime breeds better familiarity with them.
Though I don't necessarily disagree that Gym Leaders, who can extend to more than one game, are left behind in favor of a Pokegirl that's embraced for some gimmick or another. Sina is exempt because brown Pokegirls don't have many fans.