Quote Originally Posted by Reiterpallasch View Post
That's essentially saying that the game does care for optimized gear/skill/etc. ..
Please note: Better does not mean optimized.
Upgrading from level 40 sword to level 50 sword is better.
Upgrading sword to the best possible sword for that slot in order to take advantange of maximing each stat is 'optmizing'.

So far, Final Fantasy has only cared: Do you have a decent enough sword for this area.
It has not said: You have to have the best gear in order to finish this quest.