I still can't push past phase 4 for VI-whale because of the stupid sleep. Limited options for slot saving is really hurting me the most. Though I haven't gone through all the iterations of a party to see if I can skip a phase. Possibly with Strago USB + instant cast Terra + Locke OSBs.
And 32 seconds on T-0 280. Pretty much have to find the right burst to skip Phase 3 death on slot 2 and the right amount of heals and when to fire off Sice BSB to time it after the dispel.