It's an unfortunate side-effect of vertical progression, as well as the general overgearness that people get used to so close to the expansion. Nevertheless, given the requirement of HM Ifrit for the story, it's something that must be done (it gets worse with HM Garuda and especially HM Titan). Although honestly I just did main story scenarios for a while before I attempted to progress further; at this point it in time, it may be better just to find FC mates to do it with. You'll have more fun, I think.