Clara gushes about Steven Stone
What makes Steven Stone so compelling as a character and FO to me, is that he's a relic of a long-gone era. Yes, he's heir to Devon Corp, but that's not the only thing about his character. He goes out, he does things, he plays a role in the story. A story that is mainly about you.
I feel like the reason Steven WORKS as a "rich" character? Is because he has a personality beyond "look at my money" he actually does things.
Steven being the champion was just a sweet surprise at the end, a reward for making it this far, and beating him. Steven is proud to see you succeed and even when he falls in defeat, he still smiles.
Pokemon's early writing - especially in Ruby and Sapphire made everything fit so perfectly like a glove, everything around Hoenn is connected to each other. Just like Steven and I are. Earth and Water.
I think it also has to do with how Pokemon used to make characters that just existed, they weren't trying to make some big song and dance number about muh generational trauma, and forcing you to babysit various NPCs through personal problems or whatever.
Takes me back to when Pokemon was about exploring nature by yourself and catching 'em all.