Okay so I did a complete run of Octopath for the last few days. I was pretty sure i was never going to do a final save and carry something over because i never had a full team and i didn't see the point. however, I did do a speed run a few times and yesterday i managed to get all eight (at a decent level) as well as some rare items due to the steal skill.
I went
Cyrus and worked my way clockwise. (keeping Tressa until I hit Alfyn, then switched Tressa Out)
the trick is is basically. skip EVERYTHING, and once you get Evasive Maneuvers on Cyrus, use that until it's time to level up. (I didn't do any save scumming like most people are doing with this really rare mega JP/EP/Money enemy.
I'm going to though, try something different, and start with Ophilia (she's the one i wanna start with and the knowledge that you can't switch out the Lead is kinda sucky but whatever) and see if i can go faster and give myself some time to get more chests and money. I'm also trying to see if i can get the max amount of money but we'll see.
goodness i can not wait for this game.
