Competitive Battling with Ditto

Yes, yes; I know that the notion of battling against other trainers with Ditto is rather absurd.  In modern Pokemon, Ditto is primarily used as a breeding tool; especially with male versions of pokemon.  The trouble in the breeding game is obtaining a high enough Individual Value in the stat(s) you desire; now that you can pass IV's to an egg.

But we're not talking about pokemon breeding here; we are talking about battling.  Ditto is really not much more than a gimmick pokemon when it comes to battling, since it can only ever learn Transform, and then Ditto is limited to whatever pokemon is on the field.  Also, Ditto has no way of affecting a Zoura/Zoroark under effect of Illusion; as Transform does fail against these two until the Illusion breaks.

However, Ditto does become a copy of its target, at the time of transformation, right down to having the exact same moveset, Individual Values (except for HP), Effort Values, and shiny status.  But having to use the move Transform does cost a turn, and it allows the opponent to set up an appropriate counter-attack.  A fast fighting pokemon would also make quick work of it, as Ditto's base stats of 48 in everything don't help it much.

Anyways, there are a couple ways to train a Ditto for battle:

The One True Way:
Moves: Transform
Ability: Limber (prevents paralysis)
EV's: 252HP/252 Speed/4 Defense
Nature: Naive, Timid, Hasty, Jolly*
Held Item: Focus Sash, Quick Powder, or Leftovers (Metal Powder is [probably] not going to save your Ditto in competitive battling)

*Ultimately, this is irrelevant.  Ditto indirectly adopts the nature of the opponent's pokemon once it transforms. but these natures will give it a speed advantage.

The goal here is to try and ensure that your Ditto attacks first.  Quick powder may be better, depending on if your opponent is boosting stats (Dragon Dance comes to mind).  But if your opponent switches out to something less than favorable, you may be forced to switch it back out, since it can not transform again until it has been returned to its ball.

Ok, the Real One True Way:

Moves: Transform
Ability: Imposter (Dream World ability)
EV's: 252HP
Nature: Nature is Irrelevant
Held Item: Life Orb or Leftovers

This version of Ditto does not exist yet, as it has not yet appeared in the Dream World.  This version of Ditto would be great for switching in against anything that has been stat-buffed, as a sort of punisher.  You also have more control over what it transforms into.  Items other than the Life Orb can be used; just be sure to choose an item which is not elemental-based.

If you have any other ideas, comments, bashing, etc, feel free to comment.

If you want to see an analysis of a specific pokemon, please feel free to message me or comment, and I will get on it.  Otherwise, you will be subjected to more rants.