A bit character. That's all she is now, unfortunately. A bit character with only fond memories of the first two seasons to make her anything more than a vapid smiling head, the only difference than the one currently travelling with Ash being that she appears less frequently.
Yes, I realize that I sound bitter, and an Old Guard fan of the show. I am. I've given up hope on their being anything more than one decent episode per season, and even that, merely comparable with the first season of Johto. It's time for me to move on, truth be told. I'll keep my old DVD's and my copy of Pokemon Heroes, where she shows a modicum of character. Otherwise, aside from new games, I'm done. The show ended for my and GCYL, perhaps earlier.
May Misty's spirit live on forever.