Ummm, it seems like you kinda derailed yourself there. As to the game itself, I'm somewhat interested in it. At least it doesn't seem to be some money-milking Gauntlet-lite.

My very brief understanding of the Crystal Chronicles sub franchise:
The first game on GameCube: A limited exploration Gauntlet-lite game.
Ring of Fates (DS): More of the first game but with multi-system connection.
My Life as a King (WiiWare): A rather boring City Building game quoted as being "a Final Fantasy game where you stay at home and send other people out to play Final Fantasy"
Echoes of Time (DS and Wii): A commendable effort considering its multi-system multiplayer (though most reviews give a slightly higher grade to the DS version).
My Life as a Darklord (WiiWare): A tower defense game that has my interest and is even demo-able prior to downloading it now.

So I picked up the game on Friday and I have to say I'm a bit underwhelmed. I have to agree with one review I read where it's some odd mish-mash of Final Fantasy (you customize your character's equipment, albeit limited to one earring, one ring, and one amulet, oh and you can customize the emblem on the back of Layla's jacket ) combined with Zelda (graphic representation of your health, freedom of exploration) and even a bit of GTA where you can mess around with anyone and almost anything with Layla's telekinesis powers. There's even a weak achievement system in the game (a total of 330 achievements, a good many of which are things you have to do in the game anyways).
About 6 hours in and to be honest, it feels more like a chore to play this thing. I'm not really psyched about it (even with the inclusion of a DoA Beachball-inspired mini game). Just like in XII, most treasure chests only have gil inside them (you actually see the coins instead of just an increase in your money) and they respawn when you reenter an area.
In short, I wish I had just rented this thing instead of buying it.