Returning to an old character can come with some uncomfortable truths.

For the first three regions, Misty was a constant presence as Ash's travelling companion along with Brock and a one off season with Tracey, initially staying with Ash so he'd replace her destroyed bike, Misty stayed for the long run, becoming Togepi's mother/trainer and acted as a big sister, but after Johto she left to takeover the Cerulean Gym full time, acquiring a powerhouse in Gyarados which included conquering her fear of the beast and ultimately achieved what she set out to do and become the best water Pokemon trainer.
This is where the problems are obvious, Misty achieved absolutely nothing from travelling with Ash and lacked actual character development which were easily surpassed by every female character that followed, even copycats like Iris had argubly better development as she ascended to a champions role.
Only Chloe has had worse development due to this season's mediocre stories.
Nostalgia goggles fail to boost her popularity especially as Ash himself is so close to being the Pokemon Master, battling against Cynthia at time of writing in the Semi-finals, argubly the best trainer in the franchise.
So if I'm implying that Misty actually held Ash back, then yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.