Congrats to Chardcore for the Level 10 sub 1:30 run and using the same seed as I did. This confirms that Mesen behaves the same way as the console in the timing to set the seeds. Nestopia is also accurate as well. I found out that Bizhawk and Fceux each have entirely different seeds than the console. I couldn't even find the Level 10 and Kill a dragon seeds that I used on Console/Nestopia.

The levels after 5 seem random but can be manipulated to a specific order. To get a consistent level seed you have to input (start, A or B) at a specific window of time in the title screen (You can used a musical cue for timing). In my notes I found a total of 39 different seeds and they seem to be in about a half second window of time intervals. The last seed (I guess the default seed) you will get after the title screen/music plays out.

I can't confirm that the seeds we use for each category are the best but based on playing all the levels they likely are.

Congrats right back on the huge re-bop! I don't think I have the patience to farm for optimal exits. :P