Uhh...no, I don't wish he could be battled outside of Mount Silver. Mount Silver is epic...Red is epic....Mt.Silver + Red=(epic x 2).
I guess it would be easier without Rock Climb, but, if you think about it, it makes the mountain look much more realistic and therefore cooler, doesn't it? It also adds to the "challenge" aspect, as when you think about it, any trainer who managed to get past the guards could climb the mountain and suffer a horrific defeat....but you have to be pretty damn strong to get there now, as you need the Viridian City Gym Badge!
So, whilst it seems like a burden, consider it more, and you'll find it's not too bad....after all, Rock Climb has decent power and a chance of confusion, so it's an allright HM, and I prefer it over Strength, even ignoring Strength's crappy animation.