Gym leaders have more than one team at their disposal! Or...at least the ones in Kanto do. You know, I never stopped to see if the same is true of Johto. In any case, if you take the elite challenge they use a full team of level 100s. You still get the badge, same as if you went against their regular team but the battle is more of a challenge.

[Luckily or you, Ellis, John understands this feel of male best friendship. It's okay, broseph.]

Hehe, you're fine. Sure, it did sound a little gay but what bromance doesn't? Comes with the territory.