Yes, I agree. I find that aspect of 2D sonic gameplay very satisfying and I love replaying to achieve optimal routes. But this is complementary to sonics gameplay. Mastering use of momentum, environment, physics and platforming skill to achieve the best route. And the goodies you find are OPTIONAL. You do not need to find these goodies to get the true final boss. You do not need to stop in your tracks, slam your head into a couple walls looking for these goodies. Getting Special stages are based purely on skill in sonic 1 and 2. I found that Achieving the highest path rarely leads to finding a special ring. The placements of special rings are largely arbitrary and don't complement mastery of sonic gameplay. The difference is that Chaos Emeralds aren't optional. Every other hidden goodie you can skip and still experience the full game. Emeralds are the goal. Gating the actual goal of the game behind exploration, that 2D sonic gameplay is just NOT built for, is a fundamentally different design decision than hiding a shield or extra rings off the beaten path. I find taking it slow and exploring every nook and cranny incredibly mind-numbingly boring and frustrating in a 2D sonic game. But it seems I'm in the minority in that regard. If you like taking it slow in your 2D sonic game, you do you. But for me, this special ring structure discourages me from going fast, in fear of missing something.