I'd like it if the counted time starts after the load screen and ends upon the fade-to-black after the completion of the final objective, instead of using in-game time.

I noticed that the in-game timer ends when you hit the End Level button after the cutscene (tested by completing a fast level and leaving to cook lunch, which added 30 minutes to my time). This is encouraging a funny behavior where I try to rush to hit the button but if I fumble, I lose a second or two from having to select an award and then hit the button. I don't think it's in the spirit of the game to have this segment count for the leaderboard.