>>54735641optional challenges that are just you playing the game more aren't bloat. it's still the same mechanics, just more game to play.
contests are an optional side mode with an entirely new battle system, none of which has any effect on normal battles, it doesn't progress the game, and you don't get any rewards for it other than ribbons. it is a complete waste of time, arguably the most egregious in any pokemon game behind musicals. nothing you do during contests ever matters in a context that isn't contests.
that is what bloat is, if you want a firm definition. stuff that's just there to be a timesink, and doesn't have any effect on the rest of the game.
