Wow I forgot to check back on this thread. And now I see some of my favorite people ever posted here! (<3 Alii and Maera <3)
First point of order: Mattea, grats on Vazhl!! If you need some help with 3 paths let me know. I just went through it myself (a couple times actually) and I am very familiar with it. I can bring my Monk or my Summoner. In some kind of twisted way, I actually found 3 paths kind of fun. I got it with basically pick-up parties, but I got very lucky to get some really cool people together for these fights (/wave Algren)
Now as to Diabolos: yes, they did nerf the whole disband/draw-in technique. As far as I understand, even if, for instance, the White Mage disbands the party and tries to heal from the top platform, he/she will still get drawn-in. It kinda sucks.
I was on those 10 runs with Maera. Starting Friday night, we spent the entire weekend trying to get it and on Sunday night we finally won. We had a pretty unconventional setup (Mnk, Sam, Whm, Whm, Rdm, and i think a Blm?) But everyone who said that Rdm/Drk chainspell stun is the key is right on the money.
Second most important is the Whm. On the time we won (and the 3-4 times we got him down to like 0.09021% but wiped) not only was Chainspell Stun the deciding factor, but a timely Benediction was as well. The only reason we didn't win those 3-4 time before is because he is a big ole bastid and cheats all the time. But if you keep at it, eventually luck will run your way.
{Peace}
~Lynchilles