I ended up using an EXP exploit early on after restarting the game for the 5th or so time - I think that's the right video. Played it once or twice by renting it, played it the third time after buying it and failed by being stupid, and then after a while, started a more informed playthrough. I really didn't want to level up, so I chained Dustia until I got to like, level 20 or 30.
Would like to finish it, but the Zodiac system the "international" version or whatever looks really cool and Balthier is apparently the best white mage because he has low MP which means he can use that skill to regain MP and cast more cure spells since he doesn't have to go through a large pool of MP. Oh, and since white mages can use great swords for some reason, Balthier can abuse his strength stat. Video game logic!
I do dislike random drops and such, though...