Okay, here's a run-down on this game. When I first played it, I sucked, but I've gotten good enough to get 3k a day from it!
Still trying to beat BTY...
First off: I think the angle/compass thing needs to be redone, but thats not my choice...the compass shows at what angle she will throw the hook, so ignore the princess. Trying to aim as though she is the 'center point' will cause you to miss, badly. Just realize that the angle at which the hook is thrown, but you don't want to completely ignore the princess. If she is on the left side of the screen, always over shoot far right to reach a platform, and the reverse if she is on the right side. The most annoying thing is its hard to mentally place the angle from the compass onto her, and know if your doing it right. Thankfully, the platforms are nice and wide...
Each time you reach a new level, there is a sort of 'base score' that you will always have, even if you fall. About 90-ish for level 2, 300ish for 3, and 800ish for 4. I'm not sure on the exact, but hey. Beyond that, I dunno. I can make it to level 5, but I haven't payed attention to its base points. From there, you gain additional points based on how high you got on the whole jump. Getting 1k means you need to reach near the end of the middle section of rock on level 4. Its not impossible, I swear!
It takes a while to get used to the angle-system in this game, I personally think its broken. Badly. It just doesn't make sense, the hook should be thrown relative to the princess, not the danged compass at the bottom of the screen! But alas...
You do not 'lose points' for 'losing a life'. You simply go to the bottom of the level, and you are told how many points you got for that climb. Each time, the points are reset, THEY DO NOT STACK. Got it? They don't stack. When you start a new climb, your points are reset to the base amount for that level, and points are added on for how high you got.
I would recommend you try to go for long jumps, rather then short spurts. You have to try and aim and shoot less often in the long run with long jumps. Basically, learn how good your reflexes are, and learn how long you can wait to throw the hook. Its a person-to-person sort of thing, but eventually you should get used to how long you can wait. The longer you wait, the faster you fall, and the further you will bounce. I do hope that all made sense.
I think I covered all the issues in this game...I think. >.> I'm gunna go try and get that 5k score now. I think I can do it if I get to level 6...
EDIT: I made it to level 6, and succeeded in getting my 5k score!
Unfortunatly, I took so long, I only got a bronze trophy. >-> But I still got 3k, and the plushie. I'm VERY pleased with myself-this is my first ever time beating BTY!