Just want to say thanks for everyone on this thread for sharing. I played through to 3rd stage, realised I couldn't beat it then quit out on day 1 (FYI - you don't get anything at all if you quit rather than lose from what I can see) and assumed I'd just skip this week.

Now I know:
* I can get stuff from clearing stages 1 & 2
* Although it felt hard, with a bit of levelling I can get my water team up high enough to win this fight (vid blubbergott recorded of victory with a team not much higher level than mine)

So I'm hoping to hit 1 or 2 orichalum this week which would never have happened without this forum. Thanks everyone. I'll maybe record my attempt later today to return the gift of your knowledge with the gift of laughter.