Hello there!
These are two very interesting suggestions! I can see how laying the elements out horizontally could help with associating them with the keys. I'll have to discuss with my brother a possible attack cooldown! I can see how mashing buttons could just let you cheese enemies so it's a good thing you pointed that out.
It makes me really happy that you enjoyed so many aspects of the game! We're planning on making a post jam update and were hoping to add both some cut content and maybe a little bit more meat to the overworld.
Thank you so much for playing our game and giving your thoughts!