Can we start timing runs from first input rather than new game? The opening load times can vary up to 2 seconds longer randomly for me, plus it means console doesnt lose 8 seconds from just the opening load time.

I am sorry for the delay in responding. I do assume you mean first input after skipping the cutscene? If so, if we went via first input technically you could wait ages at the start without actually putting to get more optimal cycles for day/night and that's something that I don't want to deal with.

A suggestion could be to start time on the skip intro input? I would like to know what other people would think about this.

However, I do feel like the main issue is that switch is just slower and that's not something we can deal with properly without a load remover/Autosplitter.

I'll check in a bit, but I thought time didn't pass until you start the boat moving?

Yep, time doesn't pass before getting on the boat, so no worries about waiting strats.

Is that consistent between versions though? It should be, but I still want to check.