I'm not even going to disagree with any of that, because I'm not gonna lie, I haven't seen Japanese episodes of the original series in 16 years. I do remember Misty not being as into Ash, and also in the second movie there were hints in the dub that weren't there in the Japanese. Though, for the anime itself, if it does have some hints that's cute and such. I used to really like that pairing, canon hints or not. Though, yeah, if Misty did have actual feelings for Ash, it wasn't as obvious as the Serena thing, from what I can remember.
Honestly, if the current writing team were to rewrite the Kanto series, I think they could definitely throw in some convincing Pokeshipping scenes. Better than the original series did, anyway.
True that about second movie. Although most important hints were still there in original version. Like Misty being grumpy over Melody flirting, Melody teasing her about Ash being her boyfriend causing her to blush and act strange. Misty telling to Melody before saving Ash how "he is her burden and she will always be there for him" etc.
Interesting background about second movie was how there existed deleted scenes in Japanese version which attempted to push Misty affection toward Ash to deeper level.Such as scene of Mosty bursting in tears attempting to jump of the cliff after Ash being held by Tracey. Or when she saved him from drowning originally being planned to give him CPR.
Takeshi Shudo who wad head writer for OS decided to omit those moments being aganst idea of romance in pokemon anime as explained in his blogs. But it seems other writers werent against it as evidenced through episodes which mr.Shudo didnt wrote containing hints of Misty developing feelings toward Ash character.Such as jealousy, blushing, conflicts happening inside character like being torn between staying wioth gym leader Rudy or staying with Ash, or not being sure herself how she feels about Ash having trouble to admit how she cares because of pride.
This explains why Takeshi Shudo as head writer admitted how there existed quarrels and contradictions between him and other writers who obviously didn't shared same views over some things like he did. With consensus not existing over several things between him, other writers and pokemon director. Causing inconsistency witthin story.
Your also right about Kanto being relatively scarce with hints , but Orange Islands surprisingly enoughh contained whole romantic subplot based on Misty becoming more attached to Ash starting to view him in different ight. Which culminated by end of Johto when she was visibly upset not wanting to leave him and giving her handkerchief to Ash permanently which holds special meaning in Japanese culture from what i know.
With initial dislike and pity from her side changing in devotion, admiration, care and unbounding support. With others like Brock, Tracey or Jessie, James starting to notice that.
In end you could say how Misty while had feelings for Ash and judging by chronicles still has them for all we know(if you watch "Date with Delcatty!" in original version youll know what im referring to directly admiting how "she likes someone". They were more subtle with writers themselves not being sure in what direction to take them. Leaving everything hanging in air.
Its unfortunate, but Misty feelings, future of taking care of gym mainly because of lazy sisters indicazing desire of traveling again. Her dreams of becoming water type master and lot of unanwered things about her past. Just about most of subplots surrounding character were never given closure.
On other hand in regards to shipping. Writers with Serena decided to be more direct, not equivocate and implement straightforward signs of crush existing within Serena character right from the start. That and backstory of meeting Ash in his childhood by retconning past.
Displaying romantic affection and crush in different, serene and for lack of better word submissive way.;)
