@RP: I still insist that Rapidash is inferior to Infernape. It takes a reasonably good trainer to know how to use him properly, so one can't really say that he's weak without being fully involved in the metagame.
And Rhyperior is really up in the air. I'll definitely agree that it has outstanding HP, Attack, and Defense, but if I get a Special Sweeper out onto the field that has a super-effective attack, your Rhyperior is left wide open. Now, I'll give that it does have Solid Rock, but it has such crippled Special Defense and Speed that it can be moved right around. Just keep an eye on those two stats, and you should be fine.
And again, I personally think you worry too much about simple typing and STAB. Just focus on the movesets, stats, and strategies, and then worry about the little things like that. The other things I've thrown out there are more important.
And as for your tough time with the eighth Gym, use a Ground-type Pokemon, particularly one with Earthquake. That can help take care of many of your problems.
Well, I pulled out Giratina from my PC and beat the 8th gym. On my way to victory road I got Leafeon back up to speed, since he's now lv 46.
And, where do you find the electrizer or whatever evolves electabuz?
