Seriously, what's stopping Ash from winning a Pokemon League tournament? While I admit that it's a step up for Ash to make it into the finals, it's rather frustrating to follow a show for almost 20 years and have the main protagonist fail to win every major tournament he's ever entered. (The Orange League and Battle Frontier don't count as major tournaments, and even the Battle Frontier was almost 10 years ago at this point...)
So, yeah, it's really disappointing. Ash should have had this League in the bag, but always loses due to some form of reverse dues ex machina.
Indigo League: Ash fails to win due to a disobeying Charizard. If Charizard would have listened, I honestly think he could've wiped the floor with the competition there.
Johto League: Honestly, this is the one league I'll admit Ash lost fairly legitimately.
Hoenn League: Ash lost legitimately, but if Ash called upon any of his reserves, he should have had the competition in the bag. Even still, Pikachu should've taken that fight.
Sinnoh League: Ash lost due to a cheap ubers trainer with a Darkrai and Latios
Unova League: Even disregarding the fact that Ash didn't call on his reserves, he still should have easily been able to take out that Riolu
Kalos League: Greninja honestly should've had that fight dominated due to type advantage.
But yeah....the fight of Alain vs Ash/Charizard X vs Greninja was pretty good battle on its own, but.. I just dislike the greater significance it has for the series.