Yeah i think the charizard love started like this for me, its because he never failed me even battling pokemon with types he's weak to and his moves arent very effective he still does serious, serious damage, his learnset is very good, as for the older generations, i think u should try em , download an emulator and give em a try, i do really think the best pokemon came from the first 3 gens, and you'll have a better grasp on those pokemon and get to know them better if you have less to choose from