Initially I was stuck at the 'interesting' 2-off and can't optimize it further. Running out of ideas, decided to try something that I feel impossible anyway... Finally finished and just felt amazed that how this level has so many great paths. I agree with Manti that this level worth more than 5 stars!
This level can blind you really well. Like several people have said the path makes perfect sense once you finally see it, but the varying routes and differences in stepcount at each lock makes this level extremely difficult to isolate exactly where the steps should be cut from and what exactly the return is out of setting up the varying shortcuts. Even after finally getting the major trick down there are still ways to be off. Really a fantastic level. Would rate 6 stars if I could!
This is such a hard level and has many of the qualities that I attribute with "Grandmaster" style levels. Several of the sections "compete" with each other for path superiority and they all boast several somewhat tough to find 2 or 4 step cuts that will leave you at completely optimal 297 or 299 paths. The final 295 is just a great mix of many of the competing paths brought together with the correct timing.
293 tries for my first solve ages ago and 75 on my second. Still a monster of a level.
