The long battles are a result of the mechanics. Gradually building up AP takes more turns than your average RM game but that's why I made the battle flow quicker and there's an option to speed up battle by holding the confirm key. Due to this, I opted for a less amount but longer battles approach, which naturally changed the level system to permanent stat boost so there's still a sense of progression for a short game. But from what you said, it seems like it backfired.
I agree and appreciate your feedback. Thanks for playing my game! :)