Quote Originally Posted by loaf View Post
It really comes down to who you build to be the best character. Unless it's a Magic user of course. Celes, Relm and Terra just destroy with Magic.
Exactly this statement. The stat boosts do help but it is possible to have really beefed up characters without using the esper stat gains, if you really want to break the game, you can do some exp grinding in the later part of the game with exp eggs and dino fighting with espers equipped.

Heres a few tips for you: Never leave a character untouched (even if its one you don't really use throughout the story), because later on, you will have to use them in the end so make sure to train everyone with magic, give them good equipment, and use relics that help boost their speed and absorb status effects.