i've managed to get someone I know into FF and I would like to introduce this person to an actual FF game.

I don't find either game difficult, but when comparing both which game may give a better challenge? These days, i don't think people are going to play going blind like the old days, people will want to get the best experience of the game on the first play through now (at least, the person i'm trying to introduce).

So if i can get some good/honest opinions on difficulty comparisons:
• Which battle system was harder to learn/understand (sphere grid or junction)?
• Which game has the harder enemies (monsters, story bosses, and secret bosses)?
• Which game has the harder final weapons/armor to attain?
• Which game is harder to complete?

IMO, VIII is harder because junction is so hard and you can't make a mistake or you will die?