I am actually considering a few options in regards to the credit system. One of which is considering a freeplay mode for unlimited credits, among other ideas (a few people have also mentioned spending the tokens to revive the players!). The game is designed around having to play multiple times to progress, however!
It is also a common miscomception that this game is trying to emulate an arcade game. It's a game that is trying to emulate a CONSOLE PORT of an arcade game, which this game does deliver the experiance of through and through, so just keep that in mind when playing!
Thank you for the detailed critique however, I will have this one the back of my mind as I continue my work on Episode 02!