Having third stage and special evolutions catchable in the wild is the single WORST thing to ever happen to Pokémon. It fundamentally ruins the game for me.
>but steelix is gen 4
Literally 1 rare exception in that game. That's how it was pre gen 8. It wasn't the fucking standard
>but it makes the world more diverse and immersive
There's over 1000 pokemon, it's not like there's a shortage to fill the world with. And go play Pokémon snap or Legends if you want a "realistic" world. This is a fucking rpg video game. There should be a sense of progression
>but it speeds up the pokedex
Leveling up has never been easier, especially post game when you'll be doing it. Item evolutions literally just require a few clicks, not complicated. Friendship, you're missing the fucking point. For trade evos, it's fucking 2024, you can find someone online. Plus, the more complicated evos make the Pokémon feel cooler and more special, like a rare prize you earned, not like a generic raticate shitmon.

And another important point, needing to earn the evolutions gives the pre evolutions actual purpose. What's the point of using evee, or Snorunt, or Tadbulb, when you can just catch there evo in the wild? There fucking is none. Needing to evolve then gives them purpose and grows bond.

Bottom line, Gen 10 should have ZERO 3rd stage and special evolutions in the wild. MAYBE post game, but that's it.