I wish Pokemon USA would keep using the voice actors from 4Kids. Rumor has it that Pokemon USA is going to use different voice actors for the rest of the next season to save money, according to numerous e-mail replies from the origional voice actors.
Ever heard of "save the best for last"? The last season of Pokemon should have the best stuff. Cheaping out almost guarantees a quick death. Anyone remember the last episode of "Enterprise"? It was like a slap in the face for fans! Using "sound alikes" to save money is the same way. Corporate business models and fine arts do not mix!
You can't buy voice actors like copier paper! Just because you can switch copy paper because another brand is on sale for $0.10 less per ream does not mean you can just buy cheaper voice actors when they are available. In a cartoon, voice actors are the heart and soul of the show. Swap out the voice actors and people will notice. Just "sounding alike" does not cut it. It is the feel that counts!
Most other Pokemon Fan Sites have already initiated a kind of "Save Pokemon" initiative. Write letters and e-mails to Pokemon USA to hopefully persuade them to keep the current voice actors for season 9.
http://pokemonpalace.net/index.php?id=save_dub