Thanks for the detailed feedback :)
Yes, it was my deliberate intention that while the game might seem easy at first, it should actually be difficult to complete. You have to figure out how to complete the levels — I know it's frustrating, but if I remember correctly, classic Speccy games were extremely difficult too (Manic Miner, Jumping Jack, to name just two).
Digging while falling, if not a bug, is indeed a superfluous thing. I might disable it as you suggested. Bees and bats don't hear the bark, so they don't get scared of Frankee — I know this doesn't make the player's job easier.
The game can be completed, and exciting levels await you. However, prepare for some more difficult moments: I suggest you count to ten before you damage your machine, joystick, or anything around you ;)