@ Those who chose Lenora: Ya'll crazy (not in a literal sense!) With uhhhh what is that attack Pignite has that hits twice, Arm Thrust? Yeah. Just like, grind your Pignite's and BOOM, it'll be strong w/ Arm Thrust and can easily OHKO the Watchog.
PLUS PLUS PLUS you can also EV train early on w/ the Patrat's and the Lillipup's. :3 Sooo Arm Thrust should be strong enough!!
Oh yeah and for those w/ issues with Elesa, go grab a Pokemon in the desert. idk like a Sandile and level it up. Suddenly, Volt Switch and Emolga aren't as much of an issue anymore. Or at least that's how it should work. I just normally grind my Emboar. :x
I'd agree with those who chose the dragon gym leaders and the starter-based gym, since with the way the gym is designed you can't really go back and heal yourself without beating ALL the trainers and without your own Axew it's kinda difficult. :( And as for the starter gym, yeah... not using the monkey early on kinda can suck. ;;