I too grinded on the Tekites for some time. Now I actually need to get 9000 exp to get a 1 up... so I assume everything is maxed out.

I would try your tactic... but the thing is, I almost always stumble onto the boss by accident. Navigating those temples is a pain and a half. ( Can you imagine my rage, when I got the master Key AFTER the final normal palace? I had to use the fairy spell to go through the doors, and magic was not easy to come by. )

Anyhow, I'll keep your tactic in mind for the next time I play in a few years. I did just beat the game this morning though... and I used to think Kid Icarus was the hardest NES game ever. sheesh.