Thanks so much for this feedback, I really appreciate it. You hit on some really good points that I agree with, I struggle a lot with level design. Yes having speed boosts and the spring activate automatically would be more intuitive, but then the player can't make any choices in the game. I think I will start with restructure the levels just like how you said ("if I fail to press Ctrl on time and don't get boosted and as a result and I'm forced on a different path with less food, that's fine"). This should make failures less punishing while allowing users to make choices.
I agree with your other points, I'm gonna allow smashing through birds and deers, bump up the speed. Seriously thank you, this was some A+ feedback.