I find with most RPGs, if you explore every inch of a dungeon, and don't run from any battles, you tend to be able to survive quite well. Even in early FF games, I mean, I always get told you should be about level 12 i think, when you go into the marsh cave in FFI, but I've beaten it at level 5. Hard yes, but I've done it. (the original NES version for those who think I was playing an easy version)
You are offiicialy my long-lost brother.