I've never beat it, I've had 2 saves 50 hours in corrupt on me, I've lost 2 PS2s, lost the game while moving, emulated on PCSX2 on a PC where the HDD fucked up. I've had enough, I love this game but I hate it a damn lot too, so the question is: how do I grab this game by the balls?
What are some ways to cheese the game completely? Seitengrat as soon as possible, Karkuta or whatever the katana is called, and the infinite skeletons in the Lhusu Mines if I remember correctly? What are the best jobs/fastest attack animations for each character?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25z7YFCuIxE
That's the most well-known early powerlevelling strat in the game, though you might already know that. Also gets you money and items.