Ok, so I have decided to give FF12 a second chance. I haven't played the game since launch.
Though in my past playthrough I had issues with the gameplay and story only one of these is in my power to change. The main complaint I had about the game was that it was easy and required exceedingly little player involvement. Others have disagreed and told me it was only because I was playing it wrong.
So this is the chance for the legion of loyal FF12 fans to tell me what playstyle they think will lead to the most fun. As following my own instincts is likely to create a similar experience I hope to be able to impose some playthrough 'rules' on myself from the input in this thread.