I/L weapon help?

I've nearly got enough emblems saved up for a Grand Eligos if I go that direction, but obviously Elemental Staff 7/8 would be ~endgame aspiration~. Two questions: first, how likely is it that, as an unfunded player, I'll be able to afford the latter?; and second, if it is indeed conceivable, is it worthwhile to get the Grand Eligos at all -- being as I'm only 13x and level quite slowly -- or ought I save those emblems for aught else?