Status is strongest when it changes the opponent's next few turns. It is weak when it gives up too much immediate board pressure.

Use this as a focused testing loop. The goal is to make one part of your decision process clearer before adding more complexity.

• Use paralysis when speed order matters.
• Use burns when physical damage drives the matchup.
• Track safety tools that block sleep or status.

Thunder Wave can be stronger than damage when it lets a partner move before a key threat for the rest of the game.