To be honest the spinoffs for me are also nice compared to the main series. The main series is so easy it's painful so the spinoffs at least have something other than go beat these 8 gyms with 0 trouble whatsoever, have fun.
Have to agree with jan, after taking notes failed I shamelessly relied on memory of which paths worked. Not at all giving the puzzle justice but in any case, it's not something to be totally stuck on.
To be honest I find the little taunts to just add to the hype effect. I don't have beta but it's not like being told I might or might not be getting something is really going to change anything for me whenever the time comes that I get to play it.
What I heard about that is if you talk to 300 people you can get spiritomb at the destroyed broadcast station and some other secret at 500. Don't know much apart from that.
I've finally given in, I need to be let in on the odd key business. I've been trying to complete all the side quests and am very curious as to what that key is about. Anyone willing to pm me some details, it would be much appreciated.
Can't remember the exact meaning but it has to do with rattata the original f.e.a.r user. It's when a very low leveled like a level one rattata is hit by a move using a focus sash to live with one health and using the move endeaver to get the opponents health to one. It can than be finished with a weak priority move. Other variations of the strat with other pokemon are also possible but that is the idea.
Now in the game are access to three mega stones hidden around the world. Though they are obtainable remember you have no access to the mega bracelet or whatever device reborn will use to activate said stones.
Another big problem with the cactus I'm surprised you didn't mention. Every pokemon with access to u-turn can obliterate this thing. Always be careful on switch with this thing.