^ Dang, Piplup isn't that bad. I think the reason why people have a problem with Piplup and Dawn's pokemon as a whole in general is because they are too cute and one hasn't been used in a contest at all yet, but is her powerhouse.
I love Dawn and Piplup, but many seem to hate them. People seemed to hate May's Squirtle before evolution and people claim Misty's team was a bunch of lackluster water types with the exception of Psyduck.
Also, none of Ash's Water Pokemon, except Kingler, evolved, and with this many are speculating about Buizel. Water Pokemon are I believe the most abundant type there is, yet many people would like to see fire pokemon such as Charizard or Cyndaquil or Monferno. However, the writers take liking in Grass Types. Grotle, Bulba, Bayleef, Sceptile for Ash and May's Venesaur.