I actually don't agree with the praise for SuMo's story either. It's better than this, I guess, but it suffers from a lot of the same problems (as well as a nonsensical climax). I will give it props for ambition and better presentation for sure, though. Plus better characters (Lillie and Kukui are great).
Story aside, I am glad you liked the game!
I agree it should have been even more de-emphasized lol. It's so nonsensical.I wish it was even more de-emphasized. They were setting up something to do with the legendary pokemon from the first 5 minutes, and they constantly hinting on something big happening behind the scenes. And then they completely siderail the actual fun stuff (the gym challenge) with this boring terrible story. It was front and center.
Story aside, I am glad you liked the game!