No... his main goal is trying to be a Pokemon Master, and that's the main plot. BUT! the goal is never defined, never given any actual steps that are absolutely essential to trying to achieve said goal, so it IS, in essence, throwing a bone at Ash, even though it is a main plotpoint. Stop being blinded by this and actually observe things for once. Wanna know how goals work? They have an endpoint where you have accomplished the goal, and most importantly they are defined completely. If the goal isn't clearly defined (as in, you don't know the exact parameters, the exact conclusions, the exact definition of said goal), then regardless if it is the main plot of the show, it IS throwing bones, even though it is, indeed the main plot point. Either the goal is completely, and uncontradictedly defined, or it isn't truly focused on, and it just serves as bone throws. It's that simple. Seeing how Ash's goal of becoming the worlds greatest Pokemon Master has never been defined at all, that means, whatever he did ultimately amounted to bone-throws, same as Misty. Either you say that it all is or it all isn't. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, no exceptions. Call me a nihilist if you want. It doesn't matter, as the fact is that goals need to be absolutely defined in every way, shape or form in a story or in real life, as otherwise, it is bone throwing, regardless of it being part of the main plot.
