do leves while setting the level to be as close to 1 level higher than you if you like tough fights, or 1 level below you if you like hard fights. Leve monsters still have less hp than non leve monsters (thought they give less exp) but if you finish fast the sp bonus makes em worth it.

for non leves, either try to exp chains on hard mobs (1 level higher than you) or get link bonuses on lower mobs (you can get links on monsters of any level, and that actually gives more bonuses than exp chains) rework your skill bar, test new things, because WS have been adjusted. some cross class skills are more useful with the stat spread and some are less.

for battle try to always wear gear your level, gear higher level tends to be worse.

even duoing will have a noticeable effect on what you can kill, try teaming up, even in small fast parties is worth it.

pay attention to enemy sorroundings, respawns and spawns matter now. Whether things will pop aggro or not is very important. Some areas have monsters spread out, and some have them close, use this to your advantage for your playing style.

Dont leash monsters, tp drops really fast now, unless your basic attacks are really strong, or you can bug the mob, leashing will probably get you killed.

aoe is your friend for low level smashing, link bonus is larger than exp chain bonuses.

dont be afraid to run away, even if a monsters health is low, you get full credit, if you miscalculated or things look bad, run, leash and reset.

your big WS are noticeable stronger than before, use of attack and defense buffs is noticeable, heck food is probably even noticeable now ( not that i know all the food stats)