[brawndo_mom]

Great advice! I would like to add that this works even in PUGs where communications might be dicey with fellow players. Watch who runs where in the first section, and then follow a solo player (providing you don't feel comfy going solo - though if you gear up as Aishi recommends, you can.) If you find you have three people in your group in the early portion of the game, and your team is handling it well, identify the other teams, and join a weaker one and help them. You can do this by watch the progression bars on the screen.
I just tried this, and we finished all three paths with more than three minutes to spare, then took out the elite captains quickly and painlessly. For us, that is: not so much for them.
Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Thanks Aishi! Great advice!