Well, this game was made in an oposite way to many rpg maker game.
Here, leveling up barely change your stats outside HP / MP.
The way to boost your fighting capacity is to get the best gear and improved it to max.
The level requirement isn't wrong. It's just the level you need if you got the gear avaiable for this lv maxed out (which, let's be honest - you can't have at the recommended lv, since you'll have to grind like mad to get the component).
So, basically... either grind grind grind for hours to get the stuff and upgrade it... or cheat your save file for OP stats...
Also, you really need to think about your party member, and how you orient them (front / back row. Magic staff / bow, high attack or high crit....). If you're not over equipped, that will make a lot of difference...