In regards to run time, it's faster if your cargo's heavier, but trying not to make that too fast did impact things a little sadly. though given it should take less than 5 minutes that isn't too long I'd hope. Time was a bit too short to refine things more than I did, sadly, but I won't deny it's not just the ship movement that's sluggish ^^;
I'm... not sure what to say in regards to the controls though, can I ask what you would have regarded as more engaging?
(or was the issue more that you're just dodging the same obstacles? I'd like to have done more there but I squandered too much time early on to even add a second shape)