Hihi HCK Productions,
I'll check again into the bird levels 8+ triggers and the Capricorn signs.
I have tested that the Rat/Snake boss can be cleared at level 5-6 (average out of 3 party members)
During my own testing, I have also died (lol) if I tried to rush to any battle without properly equipping my characters.
They'd just hit for 0 or single digits.
There's a caveat to this - first you'll need to gear up your team properly and use your limit breaks (100 TP) skills at the right moments.
E.g Saving your 100TP on protagonist or Lance and use it immediately when the boss battle starts, trivializes the fight drastically.
Scream has a % to provoke and confuse enemies, use that to your advantage.
You will learn new Seduction skills as the promiscuity stat or submissiveness stat increases.
Damage system works very similar to FF7, you will need stronger equipment to see proper numbers if you are under levelled.
Opening chests actually will yield more gold in the prologue area.
There are quests in Little Oasis and Port Lodeen that will help with your gold problem.
In summary, the game emphasizes more on equipment readiness than the levels.
Choice of mercenaries, TP and skill usage can turn hard battles into trivial fights easily.
But yes... I agree that the first 1-3 levels may sometimes be 'meh'.
Hope that helps!