I guess I don’t mind it. The side quests aren’t the most exciting of activities, but they lead to a lot of great things. Like extra transmuter options, and party level increases for synergy abilities. unique accessories, and unique conversations with party members you wouldn’t see otherwise. Plus some of the best materia is only accessible from chadley. So I haven’t been minding it all that much. As you unlock life springs, you unlock more info about the environments you’re in. For me the rewards outweigh the monotony.