Forum:Speed and Defense

In most levels, your pokemon stay in the slots to the side of the path. It seems also that enemy pokemon do not attack your pokemon. Am I correct in assuming that for the majority of levels, your Pokemon's Speed and Defense/Special Defense stats are meaningless? E.G. is there any point in me using moves like "Rock Polish" or "Harden"? Sure I increase Speed, but I can't move anyway. Sure I increase Defense, but I'm not taking any damage anyway. Should I ignore these moves?