Well, yes and no. Bear in mind that I'm facing them with something that just reached its maximum potential; I'd imagine for those who aren't terribly overleveled, they would be incredibly formidable. And besides, given what it is they do, I believe the point is to be able to defeat them eventually; it's more a rite of passage than something that's supposed to be nearly impossible.

[He'll leave the bit about Ecruteak alone for now; the rest, however...]

A female friend in Olivine, Gorthan...still seeking out the ladies, or is this something else?