>>47434891Whitney tells you that she only recently got into Pokemon training and her gym leader position. She is clearly quite young and her immaturity is to be expected. Think about it in the context of the world; a world in which children are able to strive for independence and find themselves in positions of power. It doesn't automatically bestow upon them perfect emotional maturity. Whitney most likely does not lose very often and just handles it poorly. Were you never like that when you were a child?
Jasmine is clearly more than just the gym leader of Olivine City if matters concerning the lighthouse fall under her jurisdiction. Her major concern for the sick Ampharos is not only simply out of the goodness of her own heart, but it is a serious concern for the welfare of the ships that routinely dock at Olivine. Are you really going to blame her for merely doing her job and for wanting to help a seriously ill Pokemon? She was not able to leave it unattended and does not own a Pokemon that knows Surf/Fly, so it is not unreasonable for her to ask for your help. Besides, being sent to Cianwood City directly assists you since the next gym leader was there anyway.
Clair is like Whitney and likely does not lose often, if ever until you came around and smashed what little sense of self-confidence she had left. She was always in the shadow of Lance and the Dragon's Den elders don't ever let her forget that. Even to the point of ridiculing her for not having passed their test. Clair may be older than Whitney but she clearly has massive insecurity issues and tries her best to cling to what accomplishments she has to her name. But despite all she has done it has never been good enough; not to the elders and not to herself. So how do you expect her to feel when some random kid trainer comes out of nowhere and beats her? Some random kid that turns up and almost immediately earns the favor of the elders, a feat she has not been able to achieve for herself? Have a heart.
