You mean reload the game to try again? I honestly would have done that if I hadn't got it on that last try. The rupees aren't the issue, it's more the time commitment. Rupees aren't used for much in this game aside from minigames, it seems they were used much more in the earlier games (aside from Zelda 2 which straight up has no rupees at all).
I've just finished the Forest Temple. The level design is mostly better than the earlier games, but what has really shined has been the bosses. Every single boss has been better than literally any boss from the first four games. The cinematic entrance of King Dodongo is still awesome, even after over 25 years. Barinade is my favourite boss in the game, as it makes you really move to dodge it's attack, feels much more engaging. Phantom Ganon was great, too.
The revelation that Link isn't a Kokiri but is actually a Hylian was one I enjoyed as a kid but now just seems flat. The game doesn't build up this story element enough for you to care. I feel like they could have handled it better to make the reveal really stick.
On a side note, it occured to me that I'll be playing a lot of the next several Zelda games on the Wii. After Ocarina of Time, 4 of the next 7 games will be on the Wii. In fact, I could even hook up my GameCube, which with the Game Boy Player I have I could play all 7 of the next 7 games on it! I remember when Twilight Princess came out, Nintendo made a big deal out of the fact that every single Zelda game up to that point could be played on the GameCube. Neat.
The work week is starting up again so my progress on Ocarina of Time is likely to slow down, but I'd bet I'll have it finished by next weekend. I know this game like the back of my hand, so even if I manage to get all 20 hearts it won't take me too long.