i have no problems with hm other then the annoyance of getting them of a mon Making it more useful just to have that hm slave. If you are just swapping hm for a ride pokemon for specific situations then they really didnt change it exept for cinematics of riding a pokemon. Rather then a small thing of cutting a tree. If pokemon had the abillity to save what you did with your pokemon like a cut tree is forever cut or a rock puzzle is forever solved when you pass it. I'd be happier.
Ouch the only mves you give a starter is fly or surf. fly is a good move for in game and surf is just good. The other moves are .. meh. They are decent power but not the best.