I have a confession to make... I did not play level 3 :-(
Not sure if it changes the game completely if you have a timer for how long it takes a player to complete game and use that as a high score (or is it a lowscore if it is competing for fastest time?) for the leader board.
Then the player is encouraged to optimize their play. Dying less times is a secondary parametre.
I have not played this game genre before. I only know of Super meat boy and Will it snail. Is it all about timing? or are there things like upgrades too, and secret areas only unlocked by sacrificing yourself at the right time and place?