I'm not sure how you saved 7 frames, because I thought having Spark Mandrill dash saves 3 frames.
Armadillo's stage:
- You don't need to take the Sub-Tank and Heart Tank now. If you have an argument for taking the Heart Tank ASAP, let me know.
- Use memory watch for Hadoken capsule visits. This is very important.
- You need to take 1, 2, or 3 deaths at the Hadoken capsule. This corresponds to 2, 3, or 4 visits respectively. Note you can only take 3 deaths if you have an extra life. I recommend 2 deaths, hence 3 visits (as in the test run).
- Before the first visit (this is on the life that you enter the stage with), take damage without losing time (while using the mine carts). Then you can take death on one of the birds at the end like as follows:
http://dehacked.2y.net/microstorage.php/info/1233477923/Mega%20Man%20X%20%28V1.1%29%20%28U%29%20armadillo%20test.smv
- There are some places with a lot of lag so reduce it.
- You can prevent a flying bird from spawning if you are not standing on the mine cart when it is supposed to spawn.
- Armored Armadillo can be hit three times with charged Electric Spark. Note that charged Electric Spark does 6, not 4. See published any% run (boss refights) for an example. Take note of the Chameleon Sting battle, as you will have to do it later. Or me.