Personally i find champion quite enjoyable since you can get around pretty quick(in towns) and the terrain is no longer an issue(Petra). Also u get a good kit every few days soo yeah thats my input
A shiny isnt a must, its only for bragging rights. However /fly is def something to consider and when u buy the kit u get eggs.
Awesome, congrats on your purchase and i hope you enjoy it as much as i do. @PeteZa this can prob be locked now