I found a recent reference that I really wanted to share with you, right from the CraftPix jam. It uses the same assets and correctly implements a few points I mentioned above:
1. Single screen intro with iconified controls throwing you right into the action afterwards. It could still be better if the controls would appear during the gameplay too, because I needed to start over to check back on the controls, but still it's a great start.
2. Jumping and attacking animations are combined, so no odd looking standing in air situation. This is most likely done by bone-based animation, which is a bit harder to implement, but it's worth it.