I didn't look at a strategy guide or visit a forum until about mid-way through the game, then I had a few peeks (trying to avoid spoilers) to get some general strategy. Approaching the end (which for me involved some monster arena, all the hidden aeons and 2 ultimate weapons) I was using them for a lot of things. Not boss info or complete walkthrough, but eg how to use Yojimbo or dodge lightning (unsucessfully!) or get 4 slot weapons.

Was this the right approach? I certainly saved myself a lot of effort (eg. knowing the best way to get ap) but I may also have reduced my enjoyment of the game, as it was easier and so less exciting and challenging than it should have been. And I couldn't totally avoid those spoilers either.

So should I have not looked at a guide/forum until I got through the game at least once? Or should I have used one even earlier (if I had I probably wouldn't have made kimahri a black mage). Its about having fun, isn't it?