Was that the poison gym? That's cool. I didn't learn anything from it myself. xD
You can download Pokemon Diamond and Pearl episodes at mininova.org with a torrent program like utorrent. I don't really recommend the other seasons. The first 3 movies and 7 and 8 were good imo, you can also get those at mininova.org
The reason I kept playing pokemon is because pokemon held my best memories, happiness and dreams whenever I reflect on my past. Pokemon was the dreamworld I always had respect and love for. As for those who quit, they simply got other lives and have much better things to enjoy then pokemon, which is quite believable. :P