use different monster parts to increase the bonus and then use metals to upgrade. you generally want to upgrade with a X3 bonus so upgrading goes quicker
EX: use 5 monster items- bonus x1.25, use 5 more - bonus x1.50 and keep going till you hit bonus x3
then use a metal such as "particle accelerator" and upgrade quickly
and the post battle ratings dont mean much. i believe the more stars you get the more TP you recover at the end of battle. not sure* but it might be related to item drop rates too.







