I don't ever take the time to level up in RPGs, except near the end (Dragon Warrior is the exception). As long as I am able to get to the next area, I don't need to 'beat the crap out of it'.

The great thing about FF is that they often have more difficult optional bosses. This at least gives a little extra challenge. A lot of people do those stipulation quests (like no sphere grid or something), but that's a little much for me. I like a challenge, but limiting myself in this way takes away most of the fun aspects of the games.