The problem with Phantom Brave, is the same problem that falls onto the disgaea series, in that it starts off hard, and then actually becomes a bit easier later on. Not that the battles get easier, but its just your characters are really hard to manage early on and become a lot easier later on. For example, in the beginning money is DEAD hard to come by, so you either give one character a nice equip, or give all your characters rather ****** ones.
Its especially true for this game, because even if you wanted to just power level one guy... it doesnt really work because all your characters disappear after so long... Except for marona herself, who... well... is a terrible frontline fighter.