I was under the impression that having a Mediator up your faith and brave with the Preach and Praise skills was permanent. I spent a long time in a random battle just using the Praise ability on my party until they all had brave levels in the high 90s. Then I leave the battle and save and take a break. When I start it back up and open the save I notice the bravery buffs didn't stick, and all of my units' brave levels are back to where they were before the battle. Note: I know I opened the right save because my units still have the skills I taught them with the JP they earned that battle.

So, what the hell? Are the Mediator's buffs just temporary? If so, how do you increase faith and brave levels permanently?

Thanks in advance for replies.

for every 4 points you increase brave/faith in battle, 1 point will become permanent. highest maximum levels are 97 and 94, respectively.

any permanent faith level above 94 by the end of a battle will cause the character to leave the party so be careful.

Oh, OK. Thank you.

So I'm assuming Ramza's "Cheer Up" ability from his Guts skillset leaves 1 point of permanent brave too, correct?

that's correct.