Unova League was way worse.
Prior to the League starting, we were introduced to Cameron, a trainer that manages to be DUMBER than Ash. First time we see him, he missed the tournament arc we just saw (not too stupid). But when Dawn leaves for Johto on a boat, he arrives after it leaves, believing the Unova League took place in Johto, and the revealed he only had seven badges, believing that's all you needed!
He gets his eighth badge from Marlon (that's how they got him into the show), then later at the League, he forgets to register and does it at the last minute, and in the battle with Ash, he only brings five Pokemon. Despite that handicap, CAMERON STILL WINS!
Do the writers think kids are stupid? That's my guess. Still, nowhere as bad as the fucking Mary Sue Paul. No Cynthia, that's not a "special training method", he's an abusive asshole!