"Most frustrating part of BDSP, IMO"

I don't mind the exp share - in fact, I got to the e4 underleveled, despite having fought all optionals until the last few routes. I don't really mind the gutted secret base system either. What easily bothers me most is the forced artificial friendship stuff. The "____ avoided the move via your shout!" or "____ landed a critical hit, wishing to be praised!", etc. I took this playthrough as a chance to do my first run through on set mode with no items in battle and I beat it first try, but it feels completely artificial. I was absolutely supposed to wipe to Cynthia's Garchomp, but Gastrodon avoided a killing blow "via my shout" and hit the run-winning move. I know this was in SwSh as well, but I don't recall it being as obnoxious (it felt like literally every other turn) as it was in the the late game of BD. Anyone else share this frustration? Am I late to the party and it's already been discussed? via /r/pokemon https://ift.tt/3D1N6rM