True,
I used to routinely buy both versions actually. I purchased the original Gold and Silver side-by-side, and then acquired Crystal when it was released.
However, I went on a hiatus from pokemon when I was about 12. I did not get back into the games until near the time of Oras' release. Since I had some catching up to do I kept things simple by just picking one game for each new region, preferably the third version if there was one.
Tpbm knows the meaning of "Venustoise." Try that on for size!