>>44246362Honestly, I wouldn't mind if it stayed rare if, in exchange, they gave it an actual ground move in its level up moveset. You basically have to give it mud slap's TM in gen 2. This might be even worse than the situation with Sandslash.
As for another early route mon, I'd go with Goomy. There's enough dragon types now like Drampa, Tyrantrum, and Altaria that don't fit the "endgame powerhouse" motif dragons initially didn't stray too far from, so I think it wouldn't be too crazy to have an early game dragon type. Goomy seems like a good introduction to dragon types and pseudo legends, since its evolution conditions could be more generous than other dragons depending on how the map is designed(i.e. not another SM Vikavolt situation), Goodra doesn't tear through the game so it doesn't outclass stronger dragons you may find later, Goomy's base stats are comparable to other early game pokemon, it doesn't break early game with Dragon Rage like some other dragons(and Charmander in XY), and it can be used for variety in a water area. It even resembles a slime you would encounter early in a more traditional RPG. The only thing would be countering all 3 starter types, especially grass if it has Sap Sipper.
