Thanks for the feedback!
This lack of checkpoints would usually not be an issue if the current version didn't have a bug where the score-based health increments didn't... happen... at all.
I'll patch them in and make "Hard Mode" the default where they don't happen, so that the unintentional and caused-literally-last-minute "Jam Experience" stays playable, I think.
E: Oops nvm the organizers are my enemy 'cause patching is a no-go apparently.