>>56456731I just played through Crystal (in english) and I had none of those problems.
I used 6 evenly trained mons, beat the E4 in the mid lv30s no problem, didn't grind once
I used Poliwrath, Arcanine, Jumpluff, Ursaring, Gengar, and Togetic. Dex was fine with me, I had other options too that I will try next run.
I got the phone call from Fisherman Tully and Alan (forgot trainer class) in reasonable time. I just deleted everybody else's number and played normally til they called. Worked just fine.
Only times HMs annoyed me was whirlpool to get thru Tohjo Falls and Rock Smash. It's not a big deal to switch one of your party out for a slave for 10 minutes worth of gameplay - you'll be alright.
Good thing Johto has both a good soundtrack and region design kek.
Platinum, Gen 5, and Gen 1 all with they could be half as good as Crystal/HGSS.
Gen 3 is kino tho.
