Question about leveling, PR vs. SNES original

So, I've had the PR on Steam for a while, but never got around to playing it until now. It's been a hot minute since my last playthrough, but it feels like the leveling system feels off. Like, I just finished Thamasa in WOB, right before Floating Continent, and I've been dispatching enemies pretty easily for the most part. But, my HP isn't even 1000 yet. Levels are give or take 18-22. But I wanted to get Intangir so i could add it to my Rage list, and got absolutely dunked on from his Meteor, which usually knocks out 1-2 party members each time. So, clearly I'm not as leveled as I thought I was. (FWIW, it seems like Mog's Snare ability has no effect on intangir anymore).

As I remember the SNES, it felt like I would literally be slogging through fight after fight just so I could beat the next part. While I don't have access to it anymore, I recall a thick strategy guide that would tell me recommended levels for each area of the game, and I feel like I'm not even close to where I should be.... but I'm also reaching a point where I'm not really leveling that fast, either. Of course, this could just be my memory being bad.

So, what am I missing here? Any suggestions?