For a low level game, I have Irvine at about 13 or 14, and everyone else considerably lower. i.e. Near their original levels. Of course, I'm too lazy to beat Ultimecia, so I haven't finished it at those levels. Oh, now I remember. I forgot to get some guardian forces, so I went to her castle, drew the GFs, beat all the bosses, and then died when Catoblepas casted Meteor or something; everyone was in critical condition. I didn't save it because I didn't have enough room on my memory card to make a new file. (I wanted a save for Disk 3 as well as 4.)

It's true that it's easier at a lower level, but some of the bosses are a pain in the ass on the second disk. Well, one. That stupid BFGKDJIFJ(#989393 whatever. For some reason, it's just harder when your characters are at a lower level.