Balthier and Han Solo are similar only in face value. Except for them both having a fuzzy partner people wouldn't mind sleeping with

Also, (cause I'm feeling "saucy" and a bit of an ass tonight) the Demon Wall is a boss originating from FF IV. VII just referenced it like XII did. That's the other oddity of XII is that it has several clever in-jokes and references to the whole series. Read the names of some of the Mark Hunts and you will notice a majority of them are named after (and even partially taken) from previous FF games. Not to mention the names of the airships reference different FFs. The Empire's are named after the classic summons while the Rebel armies ships are named after heroes and villains from previous FF games (mostly FFV).

Quickenings are pretty powerful in the beginning of the game when you get them but I wouldn't overly rely on them. The later Mark Hunts and boss fights are won much easier by using good strategy and conserving MP for buff/debuff spells. In fact, start using debuffs in this game cause they actually work for once. You can cripple n over-powered boss by inflicting Blind and Sap on them as your party wails on them.

As for Penelo... Part of me wants to say she's C-3PO but she's nowhere near as annoying. Ewok maybe?