You're not an RPG...

[Lord Golbez]

Except that if you play through the game several times, which is admittedly a bit cheap and an onerous way of grinding, you can increase those stats substantially. And, yes, it definitely makes a difference in combat. I've seen it. Just the fact that there is a way of grinding stats, even if it's sort of meta because you actually have to beat the game first and then play through it again to do the grinding, is good enough for me. Keep in mind too, that as unappealing as that method of grinding might sound, it's not worthless. The optional Iron Maiden section is considerably tougher than anything in the main game, so grinding that way can help in that area.