Hi,
First of all, congrats on getting the 8 badges :)
If you really troubles to defeat Kanto's E4, Windypuff wrote a guide on how to do it easily (most of the images are broken but the guide itself is not xD)
But honestly -and as someone who did the whole story thrice-, that only seems to be an insuperable challenge because there is no challenge before that; the first Bosses you'll challenge will feel the same way but, in the end and after a whole lot of training, you'll be able to solo most of them with only one poké.
But yeah, this kind of power requires dedication and motivation, fortunately. :3
Besides, if the regional Leagues were to be "parted" from the story, the badges would be useless and, as they also "slow down" your progression (to a lesser extent than a League but still), according to this logic, they should be an option too ?
That leaves only walking and brawling with youngsters, bug catchers and other fishermen. Not the highest prestige. :Crazy:
Because you're not Ash. Ash is Ash. He's unique. A special snowflake.
AGREED LOL XD