They finally seem to be introducing elements that make the experience more like that which you would find in the cartoon (pokemon -amie, more cartoony looking 3d models).
I can see what you mean about Partner trainers not having the same Feel of competition as having to compete against a rival, but lets be fair, you can’t replace Gary.

What i am truly waiting to see in the series is more life like pokemon battles to bring the 3d battling from a turn based static fight into a dynamic 3d experience. Whether it be AI controlled movements or Player controlled pokemon navigation, i think that is the next “WOW” factor that they can go to really bring excitement into the series. The more life like the battles the more players will go crazy with dynamic strategies and tactics vs focusing on EV and IV stats.

As far as the changes in Gen VI go, I like the bigger group of friends and potential rivals. Doesn’t it seem like they’re increasing the difficulty in the games?

Remember they’ve also added horde battles; good luck surviving without attacks that affect all foes on the field. And now you can even just step on a Pokémon accidentally while tramping around; it’d be great if that means, unlike coming across Pokémon randomly like we always have, that that Pokémon will now have initiative and get a first strike against you.

In the past Nintendo had tried to make things easier thinking it would make the games sell better, especially in the US. For example, look at how many event Pokémon that you have to work to capture in the Japanese games are simply given to you here. But even in Gen V we’ve already seen the challenge increase: trainer battles don’t seem to involve as many random nonsensical moves as before, and the final battles involve some pretty highly leveled Pokémon.