Just to let you know. Today I am introducing the NPC traders to the game. One of them will help with gyms and so on. And Merse, that is why there is a Budew there in Viridian. It's not hard to catch and will help with first gyms. Gawerty, I am yet to run through Johto. Will do it today most likely.

Gawerty, hopefully Pikachu will NOT be the starting Pokémon for Johto (and I doubt it will be). I think they (staff) gave us Pikachu in order to get us passed the first gym a little quicker during the testing phase.

 

If Pikachu isn't the starting Pokémon, then the first gym is a LOT harder. You can catch a Mareep or Geodude before facing Faulkner, but none of the Johto starters are super effective against him like the Kanto starters are against Brock. Honestly, I think many trainers will be blown away during their first trip to the Violet City gym because they'll underestimate Faulkner.

 

Personally, I think the difficulty for the first gym is spot on when you take everything into consideration.