If you properly manage each characters sphere grid path (ex: keeping Tidus around Haste, until you get the first Lvl 2 key sphere, then having him cut through the end of Auron's grid for ridiculous strength gains), then your characters should be doing at least that much regardless.
That's even assuming you're running from most battles and not grinding whatsoever btw
Not everyone has this kind of knowledge on their first walkthrough. I know I don't.
Also, why the condescending tone?