Wow.... that's one of the most interesting topics I've heard of when it comes to Pokemon. However, I can't say that I agree with your ideas, as Pokemon is a game about capturing powerful beasts that you befriend and train in order to overcome various challenges and "become the very best, like no one ever was." I feel relying on such uncouth methods in order to win simply goes against the very foundation that Pokemon is built on.
That being said, I do see the merit of items such as your bucket, being able to directly influence the field, much like the use of items to directly influence your pokemon's stats (which in my mind could be greatly improved upon) is a very resourceful and unique idea. As long as such items are kept in balance with the rest of the game (such as temporary effects that can also be taken advantage of by your opponent), I feel it could make an excellent addition to the future of Pokemon gaming.
Finally (and I'm just ranting at this point), in the theme of a more active protagonist, what if there were instances in which you were able to use some of these items (and in turn, your pokemon's moves) to directly affect the world and the story you experience? There are several instances in which your allies (mainly looking at you Titania, that Aegislash is pretty badass), your enemies (Team Meteor), and even yourself in that one puzzle with the teleporting pokemon, were able to manipulate the world outside of a pokemon battle. What I am saying is, what if there were objects lying around (much like the trees, rocks, and boulders that require hm's) that can you can interact with and affect your story progress? These occurrences, whether you utilize them or not, could alter several key concepts of the story and would bring a more interesting and immersive feel as you progress.
Now I do understand some limitations need to be put in place (simply murdering everyone outright isn't very nice), but I always felt it would be cool to have my Blaziken bust a hole out of a cell, or my Pidgeot swoop down to get something or someone. I'd prefer if such instances didn't require hm's (mainly because I'm not much of a fan of hm's in the first place), but they would occur very similarly and I think would be awesome to have in the future.