That's wild. Also, I don't think this solves the "I can win cause I'm rich" problem. I don't think many people can reasonably be expected to want to willingly mail their phone to another person.
Especially, considering that likely means you need to have two phone plans plus two phones. It's pretty hard to say to your friends, family, or boss, "sorry, I can't take calls right now, my phone is in Vermont so my buddy can catch me a Gengar."
I think a lot of people have an old phone lying around somewhere. And it's a game/ leizure activity it's still pretty accessible, it you want to do absolutely everything yeah you gonna had to spend some time or money. I don't think there's a problem with that, it's still enjoyable without going that hard.
Especially, considering that likely means you need to have two phone plans plus two phones. It's pretty hard to say to your friends, family, or boss, "sorry, I can't take calls right now, my phone is in Vermont so my buddy can catch me a Gengar."