If it's any consolation, Less can join the club: Mina has a brand new Gyarados with exactly three moves: Splash, Tackle and Bite. Bandra's quaking in their boots, I know.
On the plus side, most of the group including Less and Mina has Mining Kits, so getting more Scales isn't going to require a lengthy sidequest, just luck and patience. (And, fair warning, a trip to somewhere rocky. I promise if anyone tries mining in the middle of the sidewalk or digging holes in the Skybreak park, law enforcement will have something to say about it. )