I did say bad balance was a mechanical issue too, you know.

That to say, running and jumping isn't always the least agile. It depends on the layout. Running and jumping is usually faster than uppercut, though if you don't have space to gain momentum (also slopes on corners tend to screw up momentum), uppercut is faster. The wierd hotspot she has isn't an agility issue in itself. Her sidekick is usually the fastest at obtaining powerups, but that doesn't mean much in race. Oh and all characters run at the same speed.

I'm not going to keep changing character just for certain levels. It's annoying. But gee it sure would be nice if plus would allow me to change character without rejoining.