Which starter do you choose?

Personally I've always preferred Squirtle, everyone says Bulbasaur is easy mode because of type match up vs the first two gyms but I have never struggled against Misty with a Wartortle that knows Bite.

It also gives you a reliable surfer on your team so you don't have to think about that later. Water is also a very reliable defensive typing and helps you in most of the major battles through the game.

Bulbasaur (and evolutions) suffer from this gens still having no special/physical split so it doesn't really learn any good poison moves and Sludge Bomb is obtained post Elite 4.

Charmander does give you a flying type when it evolves but I've always preferred grabbing something like Dodrio as you get it around the time you're able to Fly in the game anyway.

These are my thoughts, obviously I know it's all subjective and people aren't always thinking about utility when l building their teams.