Hello,
Thank you for the feedback. We appreciate your thoughts and criticisms.
While we agree with many of your points regarding the fine tuning of mechanics and game feel, this game was (as you pointed out) a student project and our first game.
To your first point, all elements of the game were carefully chosen, tested, and implemented within the constraints we had as students. For example, you mentioned the dash coming to an abrupt stop. This was designed to allow players more accurately land on platforms from below as opposed to flying past them. If we were to recreate this game today, perhaps this mechanic would function differently.
Ultimately, when we created it, it was a labour of love by students who were passionate about games under tight constraints. It was completed and released 7 years ago for free, and has not been updated since. We're sorry it wasn't up to par for you.