I actually remember that. To be fair 10 years ago people didn't expect the anime to be going for 16 years or for the cast to constantly change each gen.

It does look silly now when you read those old threads from 2003-2004 where people speculate about Misty returning, especially now 10 years later when we know she never did and never will.

I wonder why the writers didn't confirm it right away? They didn't say Misty would never return until sometime in the middle of DP back in 2008. Maybe back in 2003 even the writers themselves weren't sure what they were going to do with the series yet?

Serena looks alright, but like I said her design is too similar to Dawn. Not enough variety for me.