Is this normal? (spoiler)

[crazybayman]

Equip a GF that knows Str-J to Squall, and this will let your junction magic to his strength. You'll see a huge increase in his damage then.

The reason why you could with Zell is because he has a GF with Str-j learned. Make sure all your GFs are learning useful abilities like the one just mentioned, elem-def-j, st-atk-j, elem-atk-j, etc.

Draw as much magic as possible. Stock up 100 of everything, especially the high magic like firaga (or Fira, depending on what level your at), blizzaga (or blizzara), thundaga (or thundara) etc, ultima, flare, etc.

You can also refine items to get these.

That also requires your GFs to learn certain abilities.

The name of the game is AP. That's what your GF's learn their abilities from. You can fight and get this - by killing your enemies, or by dealing them enough damage so that you can "Card" them (use the card command). Carding them gets you AP, and no exp.

While doing this, draw, draw, draw. Select it as one of your abilities instead of magic, item or GF. Stock 100 of just about everything.