Yeah, it is a real shame with RPG's have aspects like that, which increases the chances of you saying 'fuck this', throwing down the controller and swearing off the game altogether. It can really destroy what can be an awesome gaming experience. I had that when I first played through Final Fantasy X when it was intially released.
I'm very glad I had the sense to come back and give it another shot.
One RPG I never once had an issue with, though, was Shadow Hearts II. That is pretty much, for me, as perfect as RPG's get in this age.