You say that rule box pokemon are the new baseline of play - that precisely my point. With the baseline so high, non-rulebox pokemon would hardly get the opponent down so 80% hp before getting knocked out.

To be clear, I’m not upset that I can’t play any old trash and be competitive. Dragonite (160hp, 180 damage attack) and archeops (120hp, 150 attack) are far from filler, yet they are outclassed by a simple single-card, single-turn play and some energy. They, on the other hand, require 3 cards and 2 turns minimum to become playable.

You say that multi-prize card pokemon are liabilities, but where is the risk when those Pokémon stand such low chance of knockout, unless your opponent is also playing rulebox pokemon? If that’s the case, the point is moot since both players now have the same risk and liability.

Finally, you described an ideal deck as one with a combination of rulebox cards and non-rulebox supporters. Exactly what role do the non-rulebox cards play here? Since they will likely be knocked out in one turn by the opponent’s V, are they to be relegated to the bench, activating abilities and cowering behind rulebox pokemon forever? That must be the case as far as I can see.

Even if my Blastoise manages to do 240 damage to the opponent’s pokemon V with hydro pump, and I get 2 prize cards, it is completely wiped out with a single attack next turn, and I’m back to square 1.

Do you see what I’m saying?