I don’t want DLC (but will begrudgingly get it if it involves music).

Possibly, I suspect it could also be the comp treating the player mon as 'targetable' as soon as the 'descent' animation begins (the comp tends to be on your ass on frame 1 in many situations after all), while obviously it's impossible for a human player. The Punch moves come out fast, after all.

Funny thing is that the computer sometimes just ignores the "offscreen windup moves break targeting" thing and trades a hit with your mons right as they're about to attack. Had my Hawlucha and Gyarados get KO'd by Ice/Thunder Punch a few times while coming down from Bounce.

the streets are calling it the worst mashup of all time

Mega Skarmory is less physically bulky than regular, but otherwise I get it, had to really stall for time and potion cooldowns a couple times. Plus moves puncturing Protect and threatening KOs on the party coming off Mega evo offenses and immediately attacking you after post-KO switch-in is scary.

Did you stall out the mega evo timer for Philippe to be using regular Skarm? I had to do that a couple times since working with the game’s mechanics along with a 10+ level deficit was kinda tough on some battles lol.

the human body is a scam!!