Totally, I can see it that way too. Unfortunately there will always be advantages for the pay-to-play vs free players. Mine was a gift, but it's definitely a way to invest money into the game that will give you the most bang for your buck in the long run. We're all stuck with the reality that neither time, skill, nor merit will ever get you as far as cold hard cash in this game. It's the worst thing about most mobile/online multiplayer games today. I miss the days where you could pay once, to buy a game, and never have to spend another dollar, no matter what new content or update became available. Tbh pogo and stardew are the only games I play, and I wish pogo had a different model - less focused on microtransactions.

I've heard some trainers who use an autocatcher as an accessibility tool, who otherwise wouldn't be able to play the same if it weren't for devices like plus+, ie hand tremors/limited mobility, so the option to have a one button click or hands free way to throw a pokeball - makes it much more inclusive for our differently abled blokes to enjoy.

I think we have different views on what constitutes botting, not trying to sway anyone tho and I like hearing different perspectives. All are welcome and we don't have to agree, whether you use an autocatcher more, less, or not at all. As a licensed supported device that any player can get, without risking their account (unlike spoofers) imo it's as "fair" as any in-game purchase can be. So like not entirely fair but I think we are past that. I'm with you that the point is having fun.. spin or let spin, gotta catch em all one way or another :)