Alright, looks like I'll be giving it a go on my N3DS via SNES9X, the standalone emulator made by bubbles2k16. I remember that v8 ran flawlessly on it with 60 FPS, only skipping 1 frame when saving. I never beat v8, on my old N3DS, the buttons stopped working. So, new N3DS, new SMRPG:A playthrough.
EDIT: I misplaced the screwdriver, so that is on hold. Instead, I used my backup backup plan. I am playing on the PC. SNES9X 1.56, and just recruited Mallow, and gave him the Ice Ring.