While it does seem that those would be valid concerns, I get the feeling that many of those issues are alleviated by the simple fact that the young trainers are supported by their Pokémon.

I mean, -most- caught Pokémon are fantastically loyal. In any situation where the trainer could come under hard, they usually have a few powerful Pokémon to come to their aid.

It's like sending your kid out alone on an adventure, or sending them out with 6 heavily armed bodyguards. It makes a difference, at least in my eyes.