I had the same problems. I think the design works as a slow methodical platformer that rewards patience, but then they throw all of that out the window by giving such a strict time limit.
Ironically, even though I hated the iOS version because of the controls, it has the timer counting up instead of down and that as an option would make me go back and finish the 3DS version and possibly even pick up Super Challenge. Up-counting timers for leaderboard bragging would be great, but I hate arbitrary time limits in games unless it's a fundamental part of the experience.
