I think this game really "starts" after Blackdale. It was the first time my formation mattered, the first time I had to balance leaders and grunts (WHOOPS SORRY I FORGOT TO PUT ANYONE WITH ANY KIND OF RECOVERY ART IN YOUR UNION), the first time I really had to spend some time with the Union Board. I'm really getting into it.
Quick Q's: Is there any way to tell which enemies are vulnerable to Mystic Arts vs Combat Arts? Combat Arts are all around effective, so I use them whenever humanly possible, but I'm not sure if this is a wise strategy.
Also, some of the "boss" encounters are kind of dumb. The Giant inside the Catsle Ruins is a perfect example- He's flanked by two huge Eagle things. You're supposed to ignore the Eagle things (They Curse you in the first round, putting a time limit on the affair) because they have gigantor amounts of HP. You're just supposed to focus on the boss. Which, whatever, it just feels kind of contrary to the game's purpose, maybe.
BUT I KICKED THEIR ASS