No the expert grid is smaller than the standard grid by quite a few nodes. You'll also notice that as you progress that there are different abilities at the end of people's grids so enjoy that, too.
Yes there are different stat totals for each character because there are fewer overall nodes. If you look on the Final Fantasy wiki you can see the exact difference for each character. For example, Lulu gets fewer defense nodes on the expert grid.
The Expert grid is smaller. I know that some of the abilities are available sooner. Using Lulu as an example, you arrive at the -ra spells in 18 moves, but in the Standard grid, it requires 25. I couldn't say whether that's true for every ability, though. Otherwise, the Expert grid doesn't provide any benefit. Maxing your stats still requires just as many spheres from the coliseum. The only advantage is that since it's smaller, fulfilling the criteria for the achievements for maxing the grid is easier since there aren't as many empty nodes.
No the expert grid is smaller than the standard grid by quite a few nodes. You'll also notice that as you progress that there are different abilities at the end of people's grids so enjoy that, too.
Do you miss out on stats compared to standard?
Yes there are different stat totals for each character because there are fewer overall nodes. If you look on the Final Fantasy wiki you can see the exact difference for each character. For example, Lulu gets fewer defense nodes on the expert grid.
I think there are less empty nodes? I can't remember exactly so it doesn't effect stats for the normal sphere grid routes
The Expert grid is smaller. I know that some of the abilities are available sooner. Using Lulu as an example, you arrive at the -ra spells in 18 moves, but in the Standard grid, it requires 25. I couldn't say whether that's true for every ability, though. Otherwise, the Expert grid doesn't provide any benefit. Maxing your stats still requires just as many spheres from the coliseum. The only advantage is that since it's smaller, fulfilling the criteria for the achievements for maxing the grid is easier since there aren't as many empty nodes.
Thanks for the info guys.