I started with Dragon Warrior too, and so I've done way too much grinding over the years. I actually hate level grinding anymore. So its not something I tend to practice in games these days. In fact I also hate encounters period unless the fighting mechanic is really enjoyable. Which is way too rare. So it all boils down to me usually having too few levels. Which makes the games suck. But that's what they get for relying on tired old ways :} I rarely find the plots very interesting anymore anyway... Sad but I don't think I'm missing out... I should wish I had your problem though haha..