So, I overlooked that runs require the default settings, and I've been playing with the easiest settings the entire time. Oops.

That would make all my runs invalid. However, is it really necessary to ban different settings? Lots of leaderboards I see just split easier modes into separate categories, or stick parameters onto them.

oh nooo omg.... and honestly I'm not sure! I think it would be a little harder to split it into separate categories because of how the difficulty settings aren't just a simple "easy - normal - hard" etc. so I'm not sure what to do tbh... what do you think? and should I reject your runs for now?

I stand by that separate categories should only be made for those willing to play them. And then only be split if they make a significant time difference.

Zeta on easiest settings probably wouldn't make much if any of a difference at all if it was optimal. For Delta, it makes more of a difference since you need to be close up to get max damage.

I've just started running the game though, maybe it is more optimal to not damage boost, I just like doing that at times because it can keep me longer in midair, or leave in a better position. Yet again, for Zeta this is not needed due to long range. To go back and grab health does often take some time, however.

Punchy is more interested in playing on the easiest settings too.

I have some more runs on the easiest settings, waiting for a new parameter or subcategory to be made.

i mostly think default settings adds unnecessary complexity to run verification since it's hard to eyeball which settings someone is using to begin with and I only ran default settings because it was like that to begin with. I'm of the logic the ruleset that is the easiest to enforce is best, which sounds lazy but it makes a certain sense because it removes reasonable doubt from mutual runners.

I'd just gravitate to whatever goes fastest, which would probably mean easier settings yeah

In a nutshell, I think we should just make them into a parameter - and if there is dispute about them being in the same boards, we can split them apart.

The easiest way to tell them apart is if there's health in the later boss arenas.