Poor Chikorita

Im playing Pokemon Heart Gold now and I picked Totodial as I always do but im thinking, man it must suck to pick Chikorita. most of the early game Pokes are strong against the thing or resist it. hell the first 2 gyms you are at a huge disadvantage.
Why would gamefreak do this? I dont understand. its so counter-intuitive because Chikoritas stats suck as well as dose its coverage. the other 2 learn the elemental punches so they can go "weaknesses? whats that" but Chikorita just kinda sucks