How does the ability Simple work in conjunction with Critical Hit Stages?

Question

Let's say I have a Numel with the ability Simple that uses Focus Energy.
Will the critical hits stages of Numel's moves be increased by 2 stages or 4?

Answer 1

Focus Energy does not stack with itself, so Simple will have no effect on it. The Critical Hit ratio is not actually a stat, like accuracy or evasion. The effects used to increase it are multipliers, and each can only be used once. Also unlike a stat boost, it is impossible to decrease the Critical Hit ratio.