Thoughts on Smogens ban on Blaziken

[Kirogata]

Just wondering what ya'll think about it.
I kinda feel like he's like Bullet Punch Scizor, viable in Ubers, and almost too good to pass up in OU, but not ban worthy. He has a lot of far too common counters this gen.

Yes he can sweep with layup, but, well, any sweeper worth it's salt can.
Yeah hi jump kick is beat now, but since going through ghosts causes the recoil, and protect is common on stall teams, and it can miss all on its lonesome.

[Heleor]

We don't really care much about Smogon's bans of normal Pokemon. It is a bit eye-raising to me, as the fire leader, though...

[Kirogata]

I figured, but I'm still interested in everyone's thoughts.

[Ktywf]

I'm not one to be analyzing into a metagame I'm not part of, but I say down with the passively boosting chicken! Yanmega's scary enough as is if you ask me. Besides, how dare it be my favorite type and go from mediocre to insanely awesome without me being able to get its ability.

[VersionZero]

I think the biggest problem with the Speed Boosting Blaziken is that it can Baton Pass or Sweep, or even both. With Black/White's feature to see the opponent's team beforehand, you get an idea of whether or not they're prepared to take a Hi-Jump Kick from Blaziken or if you want to Baton Pass those Swords Dances/Speed Boosts to another viable sweeper on the team. It's not a matter of whether or not he's viable anywhere or that he works like any other sweeper. It's probably more a matter of "It has two ridiculous options and can take down any team with either one." Of course, that statement requires some form of reading moves and common knowledge, but it's enough for Smogon to think it should be banned. That, and it singlehandedly one-upped one of the best Baton Passers in game. We all know Ninjask just had its most important job taken away from it.

[Frozun]

I agree with the ban. The first time I saw the list of Dream World abilities this one jumped off the page at me. Giving a fighting type sweeper speed boost is good on its own, but with access to baton pass as well it was too much.

[Kai]

[Cocowoushi]

I love Blaziken. I'm glad it gets something to set it apart from Infernape. I wouldn't want to see it banned here or anywhere.

[DragonsUmbra]

[Heleor]