Thanks for the feedback, we are glad you enjoyed it!
With the added timer, we would change the game rule from all 6 puddles needing to be max size, to just 3 out of 6. This would ensure a fail state if a player were to favor any particular hole. We'd probably tinker with timing of board burst, and puddle growth as well. Hold to fill & empty are both great ideas. Again, thanks for the feedback.