I'm playing VEEEEEEERY slowly, but... I've discovered a few references to previous games, and also that some people are very generous with their trades (I got a great Kangaskhan in a random trade, and a really good Charmander at the GTS - because my previous Charmeleon's defense was so low that he would faint at the first physical hit).
I also discovered that the 3rd Gym is really easy (I prepared so much, and I ended up beating the Fighting type Gym Leader with ONLY a level 29 Snorlax).