DM, don't say "Star Ocean is better than this, that's why". Cuz that's just annoying.
Iselia Forest is easiest to get grade due to the fact that you can get 1.5 (3.0 with boost) grade TOPS for any regular battle in which your level is higher than an enemy's level. So going into the battles at iselia forest, you can jsut OHKO all the guys anyway, so you'll get the full grade of 1.5.
Nick, you can use Zelos for the time when Kratos isn't there,since they're fundamentally the same (sole exception is that Kratos as less titles and has judgement as a move...which Zelos can only dream of getting).
Regal kicked butt with me...okay I used the infinite combo. But still. lol
Kairi, the EX combos (I've included the others too...well the interesting stuff anyway):
Presea: Glory (avoids stagger most of the time, meaning you can execute moves without fear of having the attack stopped): Guard Plus + Endure + Revive + Vitality (1 lvl 2, 2 lvl 3, 1 lvl 4)
Lloyd: None all that interesting, but there's Counter (no delay when you attack after a block) and counter combo (both included): Guard plus + Follow Up + Ability Plus (2 lvl 4, 1 lvl 3)
Sky Attack (can use some techs in the air): Sky combo + Ability Plus (good addition if you want the counter combo) (2 lvl 4)
Zelos/Kratos: Super Blast (you can now use a 6 hit combo AND use an ability!): Slasher + Super Chain + Eternal (3 lvl 3s)
Colette: Exp Plus All (everyone gains more exp per battle): Taunt + Personal + Eternal + Angel Song (1 of each gem)
item Finder (eaiser to get itms after battles): Tough + Sharp-eyed (2 lvl 1)
Battle Cry (stats increase at beginning of battle): Personal + Stat Boost + sky combo (1 lvl 2, 2 lvl 4)
Iten getter (guarantees item stolen): Lucky + Sharp-eyed + stat Boost + Magical (1 lvl 1, 1 lvl 2, 1 lvl 3, 1 lvl 4...great for switching back and forth with Exp Plus All)
Raine: Concentrate (spells cannot be interrupted): Happiness + Item Pro + Spell Save + speed Cast (3 lvl 4, 1 lvl 3)
Genis: Concentrate: Rhythm, Speed Cast, Spell Charge + Spell Save (3 lvl 4, 1 lvl 3)
Sheena: Hard Hit (increases stagger on opponent): Prolong + Dash
Combo Force (increases damage on combos): Add Combo + Dash
Regal: Glory (Counter + Counter Combo absolutely FREE!): Vitality + Guard Plus + Guilt + Flash (2 lvl 4, 1 lvl 3, 1 lvl 2)
Everyone: Exp Plus (gains more exp for that one character, does not work if exp plus all is active): Taunt + personal + Eternal (1 of each other than lvl 4)
Life Up (sometimes you get a permanent HP boost): Vitality + Eternal (1 lvl 2, 1 lvl 3)
Spirit Up (same, but for TP): Spirit + Eternal (either 2 lvl 3 or 1 lvl 2 and 1 lvl 3)