-nod- I remember in my Red version I just beat Misty and got Bubblebeam, and for some reason I had a Magikarp and I tried to teach it Bubblebeam, and it wouldn't work. I got really mad. XD
Uh, it usually goes pretty good. I just pick lots of hybrids and use diverse movesets. I'm guessing you have mostly well-rounded teams?
I usually pick the one I like best, too. I've started with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, [That was my only fire-type starter] Totodile, Chikorita, Mudkip, Turtwig, and Piplup.