Yeah don't switch. Even if you do the slide skip, the ccm stars will be faster using beginner strategies.

You don't want to purposely learn slower routes because it's slightly easier. Aim to do the fastest strategy you can.

Yeah, wkww isn't that bad. The for the beginner strategy where you fall all the way down from level spawn, it's pretty easy, xcam time around 16-17s should not take you long to get with a little practice. Once you're ready to start the sideflip into wall kicks, there's a little white circle texture on the wall that works as a great spot to aim for, hitting the wk from there usually makes me fall into the star.

I actually have never screwed up Lost Penguin, it's that easy. Grab bird, slide down the hill in Mario cam, land in the puddle. The only thing to be aware of is going too far right over the gap can trigger a breeze that will flip you on your belly, and drop the bird into the abyss.

I believe in you!