Now that I've finished the game...

I got through most of the game before I met the great fairy. It's wayyyyy more fun once you're able to mix and match different accessories.

In the end I think my playthrough was pretty thorough. I'd have loved if there were some post-game challenges, à la most modern mario games. I know I'm playing a game made for children, and that's fine, but it's nice if there's *something* in there for me to struggle against.