Great series, as said, the grind is real but worth it. I do remember a maze like dungeon in 2 that really pissed me off.
3 was absolute shit, but fortunately IV brought the series back and is my favorite rpg.
Scalpels are a trash weapon.
Is the grinding worse than the first Dragon Warrior on the NES?
Without a doubt, yes.
I'm going to find that 4x exp./meseta romhack now!