I usually pick grass as my second playthrough. If I do a third, I might do fire. In Platinum, I do remember that I chose Chimchar as my starter. I chose Piplup in Pearl, though.
I usually pick water, but from the moment the starters were revealed, I fell in love with Chespin. I usually don't like the fire types. Fennekin is my least favorite of the three.
If you know how, plot resetting for Chadder for me would be the nicest thing ever. I would do it myself if I didn't have 9 villagers. Can you get Gala soon? (not pressuring you, just wanna know).