When at an inn hiring new party members, and someone you want to join doesn't accept, you can leave town and come back. Eventually the person will join your party.
Head to the Foot of the World Tree and stay on the first level. Go to the intersection here, and go to the left. Head around the corner and go past the widened area. Then, when the path narrows, go to the first search point. Use any sickle, and no matter how many times you use them, the search point will mysteriously never wear out.
After completing any Radiant quest, save your game before reporting back to the client. After reporting back, check the statistics of the Radiant equipment received - if you're not happy with the statistics of the equipment you've been given, simply shut the game off and report back again. The statistics will change randomly each time, so you will eventually get statistics you're satisfied with. (The same method can be used when modifying your equipment).
After beating the game, start a new game using your old save file. This will allow you to start an all-new game with your old items and statistics.