Honestly, if you think joining yesterday disallows you to think this was discussed when the games were announced, and how FRLG (the first true remakes in Pokemon) didn't get a third game, well then...be my guest.
Anyways, what was so special about Crystal that there are so many people waiting for it?
You have a girl choice, IMO cuter than Kris for a game character.
You have a special event with Suicune. Even a longer one than Crystal's (you only catch him in Cerulean's cape).
You have Eusine.
You have way more and way better multi-player communication systems than both English and Japanese Crystal.
And IMO seeing two huge birds in the intro, which one is referred to be the Phoenix (which is among my favorite myths of all times lol), and the second Pokemon Ash ever saw, while the second Pokemon is like the leader of the legendary birds, is way more impressive than seeing some standard legendary-like Ice beastly-dog, who was chosen to be the third game's mascot because, at least that's what I think, he didn't get an important role on a movie (Entei, 3rd movie) or a special (Raikou).
Again, most of the digs up there are my personal opinion, but an important part of them are facts.