I wouldn't say sleazy, more like they're beginning to expand ways they could make more money and though it has been restrained I do feel there has also been missteps.
Dual Versions: That's sort of a relic concept that's been grandfathered into the formula. One of the core concepts of Pokemon was trading with the link cable and one way to encourage that was by having two versions with different Pokemon. Now they do try to do other things like in Gen III having different villains depending on the version you played (though it's mostly cosmetic) and Gen V really tried having major and minor version differences (and though a lot is cosmetic there is some notable gameplay differences), but they haven't kept it up which is very noticeable in XY (I'd also say BW2 took a back step). If they're going to keep doing version differences they really need to focus on version exclusives expanding a wide variety of things like Pokemon, locations, characters, cosmetics, and gameplay.
That said, you don't need to buy both versions and honestly I don't think you're suppose to. I always bought one version and never felt I was missing out on much (admittedly I would look up the other version on Youtube but hey, I bought one version so I payed my dues). You're suppose to only one part of the exclusives so that you can than trade with someone else who has the other half. A person who buys both version is just wasting their money, especially with now the game uses WiFi and the internet to make trading much more easy.
Third Version: From Gen I to IV it has been a sketchy thing to do I'll admit. They're pretty much combining the version exclusive aspects from both games plus new content. Now you still don't have to buy the third versions, I never did, but it does make it feel the paired versions was a paid beta to the more filled and polished third version. Of course that looks to be changing. Gen V had a paired sequel that was a continuation of the story and now that games can be patched just having a "combined" third version would feel cheap. At least before the only way to "update" the game was to buy the third version, but now that patches are a thing that would be dubious to do (and they said they no longer want to have the third version just be a hybrid of the first two with added content).
Bank & Transfer: Bank is fine. If you're a person who needs the extra room, 5 bucks a year is a fair deal. I have no problem with Bank.
But what I DO have a problem with PokeTransfer. As
Kurona said, in previous games you NEVER had to pay to transfer Pokemon from the old gen to the new gen. The PokeTransfer is even its own piece of software. So why was it connected with the Pokemon Bank? Like you can use Bank to make transfers easier, but why can't the PokeTransfer itself hold like a box worth of Pokemon (or even just six). If I just want to transfer a Pokemon from my previous games to Gen VI I have to pay 5 bucks, even if I don't want to use Bank.
Yes, they did have a free month (though it was only a limited time offer) and previous ways you needed two systems, but once again the idea was probably you'd have a friend help you with their system. It would have been nice to just have the option (or let Transfer hold some Pokemon) instead of making us pay to transfer.
Also, what will happen when Gen VII comes? Are they still going to support Gen V to Gen VI transfer? And if they do how long would they? I'm predicting a generation lockout in the future, that is unless they update PokeTransfer to hold some Pokemon.
Gen I VC: Even if those games have something other VC games don't with wireless connection, is it still worth it? Honestly if its battles/trading you're looking for its the modern games you want. There's really only one reason anyone is buying the Gen I VC and its for nostalgia or to experience the original games. Not to mention that the GBA Pokemon games are probably the most simulated games and can be played on any computer.
Now they'll still make plenty of money and they maybe have some Gen I Tournaments, but they're still milking people with nostalgia so 1/4th the price of what a modern game cost is a bit steep.
