On 'level 12c', I didn't use the pause because it results on some frame loss during the 'Jaffar room' (Maybe a global timer? I don't know exactly).On this version, since it's possible to grab ledges if you fall too far, both levels 7 and 8 is skipped directly to the exit.Also this strategy saves a second (on the 'speed 1 mode'). In order to skip the 'fat' guard of level 6, a careful position is required.About 50 frames were saved avoiding them. So, I used the 'run' button (lost another in-game frame) because when the door fully opens, the prince climbs the stairs one more time, delaying the fade out. On the exit of level 5 (on in-game time), it's faster to press the exit switch than avoiding them.Roughly 200 frames were saved on both levels, respectively. It wastes time), but pausing and unpausing costs a in-game frame (or a centisecond).
On the level 2, at the third guard, on the 'speed 1 mode', it's faster killing him than waiting to skip later (Also, taking damage reduces 1 frame of slowdown, as well as the next 'unavoidable' guard).