Practice mode is a wonderful thing. Seriously, spend some time in there. If you play the stages enough, you'll start to learn the patterns and know when you absolutely need to bomb compared to when you can survive it.
and hitbox patch (and feeling bad enough about it, already, damn those EEJI MODO bunny girls).
Sounds more like an older version of the retexture patch. I think 0.2 had that for easy mode, but 0.3 got rid of it. I had it for the longest time, then got rid of it because I'd rather play with what ZUN made. (plus, on my old Windows 98, it lagged it game down occasionally by a few frames probably because of higher quality, I think)
You can play without the retexture patch but with the hitbox patch. There should be a download somewhere on the projects thread if I remember. Hitbox patch is not a bad idea when you're starting out and trying to get a 1cc. After a while, you'll know where your hitbox is and could probably get rid of the patch.
So, you've had problems with stage 4. Most people (if not everyone) do have trouble with that part. Stage 4 is when the games get suddenly much more difficult. The book spam (or whatever those things are) right before the midboss, can be pretty difficult. You might try using a bomb in there if you feel that you're getting cornered. At least with Patchy, since you're using ReimuA, she sends out her easier spell cards. (compared to MarisaA ;_;) Spending a lot of time in practice mode for this stage would be a great advantage. If you can get through it (since practice in EoSD gives out the default 3 lives), you should be well prepared for a 1cc. Along with some practice of Sakuya and Remilia.
Also, if you haven't already, you should use the vsync patch. Since EoSD produces massive input lag, vsync will correct this. You can get it
here. Courtesy of Drake. You'll need th06e.exe to be renamed to 東方紅魔郷.exe (or, if you aren't in a Japanese locale or not using applocale,
??g?
.exe (quote is part of the name))
Fake edit: Wow, I took a while to type this. Two replies already. >_>