[@Akayaofthemoon]

You should definitely play Birth By Sleep when you get the chance. I'm not just saying that because I love gushing about it (OK maybe I do just a tiny bit) but it's my favorite game in the series for a reason. It's story is admittedly kind of meh at times, but oh my god the gameplay mechanics are friggin' awesome! Best battle system I've ever played with, really badass attack animations (Shot Locks and Command Styles are just amazing to look at and you feel like such a bad ass when you kill bosses with them).

But yes, you hit the nail on the head with your observation.