Joannak, thank you, yet more suggestions!
Good thinking about the polygons. I am going to look at this, I think polygons is unnecessary in many cases.
And about the graphics. Oh, do not worry. I agree it is not ideal and I think it is straining eyes too, but now basically everything is placeholder sprites with exception for the blocks and their stuff, and the tube. I am also gonna replace the ball, I am not happy with it because of same reason you mentioned.
Regarding the tube. It is fuzzy now when I replaced it with tilebackground instead for sprite. Have to look it up.
Joannak, btw, have to give you compliment, you seem to just have been here basically as long as me but you already are like a guru. Wow, color me impressed. :)