Does the official documentation for Dragon Warrior say not to visit a certain area until a specific level is hit? I don't even recall. Either way, the game is grindy regardless, so I prefer to spend my time with the game as efficiently as possible. I don't want to waste time on enemies weaker than I can handle, and I don't want to waste time visiting areas where I'll get creamed and have to start back at the castle. That's why I prefer the GBC version of the game. You get more experience and gold, so you can move through the game at a quicker pace.