So what's everyone's preferred job routes for each character?

[Michael Swayne]

As I've gone further through the game, I'm finding that the White Mage/Summoner combination runs out of MP too quickly. I have to use Ethers and Elixirs a lot more than I do in any other FF game.

You will find that as you master the magic classes, the abilities you learn become more beneficial to keep them in the party. I am not sure on the specifics, but there are "MP+XX%" and even an "MP 0" abilities. This makes summoning and casting magics a wonderful thing. And with the Summoner, there is also a "Call" ability that allows you to summon a random creature at 0MP cost.

I'd have thought your combination for Faris would be a lot of ground to cover. Do you master all four classes, or just use certain abilities? I know that Dual-wield and X-fight require Ninja and Archer to be mastered, which I'm assuming is what you were aiming for.

For Faris, it is more along the lines of finding new and more suitable jobs. I started her with the Knight because of how her Strength and Agility are equal. Then, as I received more jobs, there were jobs more suitable for her stat advantages (Mystic Knight, Ninja, and Ranger). She hasn't mastered any of them yet, but will at some point.