Time to throw in the towel?

Ok so I’ve completed every challenge before I start my hard mode play through but no matter what I try, what guide I follow, what build I use, I just simply cannot complete Bonds Of Friendship with Zack.

Am I alone here and it’s just a matter of “get good”?

Is there any lesser known strats that anyone could recommend? I can get as far as Babamut and managed to just beat him the odd time only to be schooled by Odin.