Are we talking about value for the price or how it improves the games?
On the former, if you wait for the third version it's cheaper for more content, DLC can't even compete (you have to pay 90 bucks for an okayish Pokemon game when you have DLC).
If the latter, again, third versions tend to be better integrated. Emerald, for example, has generally improved teams for most gym leaders. On the other hand, if you prefer things to be more stand alone and optional, the DLC might work out better. Heck, I'd say a truly stand-alone expansion would be way more interesting if they want to keep going with the DLC thing. That way you can pay even less for a more bite-sized experience, but also still be able to interact with the bigger games if you feel like it. I feel like that's probably the best you can do with paid DLC.
The free update model would also be nice, but knowing Game Freak all they'll do is add Pokemon for compatibility reasons. Imagine if, instead, Raid events would have had Pokemon that they just put in the game, so if you didn't have them already you'd have a chance to get them? I almost feel like Game Freak is self-sabotaging themselves intentionally to sell you the next game, which given the evidence I've seen isn't true, they're just a little retarded.
