but my party gets wiped out entirely in Pandeamonium...
in a battle againist Dark Riders the damage they give is:
Firion-2000-3000HP, only have 7805HP
Maria-somehow it's no attacked, it's the last one to dye, 3004HP
Guy-5000-6000HP, only have 9999, MP 463
Leon-1000-2000HP, only has 5754HP
If you are getting your ass handed to you in Pandaemonium, it's generally due to one of two things- Your HP is too high (yes, the game penalizes you for that) and your evasion is too low. Wear lighter armour, and use sheilds.