Thanks a lot! Even though it only took like a week, I was playing for hours a day and was constantly annoyed be these stupid tubes.
I did use 2 checkpoints in my run, it took me like 4-5 tries to get a good time at checkpoint 0:41(the one where there is a 10ring box right in front of you) because of the tubes. I also used the very last checkpoint because I still have to find a good way on the last spring. As I mentioned in my comment of the record, this spring was takes perfectly. I landed exactly on it, the camera didn't even have time to change to the other view!
I felt this run was really good overall, though there's still at least 3-4 seconds to shave off. Right at the beginning, I was already off half a second, but I decided to continue as I wasn't really going for the record anyway, I just wanted to beat F-Man's time. I reached the first checkpoint at a high 41, which is one of my best times there. After that, it took me some tries to get a good (nowhere near perfect) time at the next part filled with lots of tubes. I reached the next checkpoint at 1:19, though I don't know whether it was high or low as I didn't restart there. I also skipped the next checkpoint, and I didn't even take a look at when I passed it.
Actually, I can't even remember my time at the last checkpoint, I just know that I hit the last AC in front of the tube at 2:14. I also skipped the second to last spring, and yeah, got VERY VERY lucky at the last spring. Oh well, I started with 48 lives and finished with 38.
I have also found some possibilities of cuts, but I have to go further into them. I'll let you know as usual. I believe that without considering new cuts, this level could go to 2:27 or even a very high 2:26 if there are no checkpoints used and the tubes play along nicely, though I would say that there is a lot of luck involved when it comes to the tubes.
Yeah, it's definitely been a while! I saw that you subscribed to my channel, and I can say that I will have a vid of Final Chase up soon. I'll probably only do it to show what I do different than F-Man's 2:33 one, so I may start with 99 lives, as I doubt I'll be able to beat my 2:28 that quick. Even though I haven't seen your 2:31 vid, I'm pretty sure you'll notice at least one part where I will be able to improve, and it may help you to improve as well should you decide to compete with me again :D
Then again, I'd guess that you'll probably first try in Metal Harbor, as sonicguitar has beat you by like a second and that only because he used Brian's gravity control, meaning you already know how to lower you time.
I have been great, actually, and it's nice to hear that you have been well, too. Btw, what do you mean, everything's been getting better?
http://i42.tinypic.com/2edqbuu.jpg^Because, you know, some still don't trust me <_<