Thanks for the thoughtful feedback, Jordan! We'll see if I continue this game (already did a bit of easy balancing). If I do, some of the things you mention will be at the top of my list. I think you're probably right that a toggle for the out of control mode would be better. I decided not to do that to make the player feel more out of control, but games aren't much fun when you're completely out of control :P.
Thanks again!
-Zachary