Hmm, i didnt feel any difference about char since it only reached 9 lvls before Cerulean gym as a charmeleon and i did take nugget bridge etc.
Feels like it's abit harder to lvl up, cause iirc i remember that i was +30 on my main without ms/exp boost potion.
But second gym done.
Lets see if gyarados feels like it did with Charmeleon. (i did lose first gym battle against Misty, cause i suk)