This question is related to the testing results thread?

Wondering when scaling monsters aren't such a big deal, if ever as I always 1-2 levels in reserve typically, I might cash them in right before a boss battle - IE Nedbar, or Al sedexus.

I feel getting level as soon as you have the exp can get you into trouble with scaling monsters, esp with pure classes.

thougts?

GD

This can be true in the first part of the game (until Arnika) but later on it's not a big deal. Unique monsters has a fix level, the only problem can come from spawn monsters. If you raise too fast in levels and don't train enough your skills you can run in troubles. However if you have a 6 chars based team you will not have any trouble if you follow the main plot.

Aisumittsu, eventhough you follow the main plot, but if you level up too fast, you will have problem too. example in Rapax area. ;)

After 9 finishes and uncounted dozens of getting-to-Arnika-and-changing-my-mind's (and a score or so of getting even as far as Crock), i must agree that it is nice for parties of 3 or fewer to reserve as many as 4 Levels, and take one or two immediately upon entering the next Zone, or even all of them, if you know you'll be getting inough XP before the Zone after that. This way the spawns stay easier. But this won't work if they haven't got enough practise.
Larger parties, esp if u keep all 8 slots full, have a harder time even getting enough XP for one level at a time, maybe save one or two if you want the start of the next Zone to be easier.