Gradeus or Atma Weapon?

[Sasquatch]

I don't think the Paladin Shield is worth the 255 battles you have to fight with it, but it's your call. I usually go with the Ragnarok Magicite to get Ultima, instead of trading the Ragnarok sword for Illumina, which isn't as good as Atma Weapon anyway. But hey, to each his own.

EDIT: You should be smacked for even considering trading the Atma Weapon for the Gradeus.