Thanks so much for taking the time to write your feedback!
I should have made it more obvious - there is a button called "EZ MODE" on the title screen that gives 99 lives instead of 9. That was made for the streamers etc, but you got a point.
I agree about the frustration of starting over and doing all the tutorials again. A level select would maybe have been a better idea.
Thanks again, really appreciate the comments you wrote.