ZUN makes the stages for the stage themes, not the other way round, which makes it a much more pleasant experience in my opinion. I can't say his stage design is without flaws, but I do say that you are exaggerating a fair amount, good sir.
Also, I'd rather have short pauses every 30 seconds than having conditions similar to a timeout of Kanako's opener (which I did) where every time you blink you may be dead. I am aware that this is me invoking a false dilemma, but if I had to choose one, I'd choose the touhou way.
Meh, this discussion won't go anywhere just like it didn't go anywhere the last times, and in the end, taste is taste is taste. I'd prefer if it didn't continue any further, but whatever.
Oh, and on topic, everytime I try to create something fun, it ends up essentially being some sort of VoWG clone? Where is my originality? :fail: