Fox, I see your point about Final Fantasy 9 in terms of rigid job classes and weak summons. I feel the very powerful character of Steiner is underused throughout the first 2 discs and yes you lose the ability to cure by magic at times as well. Its a major come down from the magic of Final Fantasy 7.

However, its not my least favourite battle system. I would say Breath of Fire 3, which may turn out to be just as controversial a choice: You lose points off your max HP if KOd in battle until you reach an inn, the battles are also difficult, even with Ryu and his dragon power.