my strategy has always been to kill the time magi first, then Gafgarion, and so on.

i'll have 2 magi in my second party accompanying Mustiado who is usually a knight at this point, and would fry Magi on the upper level with whatever spells I have at that point while sending Mustiado upstairs to beat down wussy magic-losers.

agrias and ramza, meanwhile, are dealing with Gafgarion and the other two knights. I also place my strongest knight in this party as well since armor is good for this battle.

i make sure that everybody has the item ability and plenty of Phoenix Downs.