So why do I praise Super Metroid for all its exploitable glitches and not X6? Because Super Metroid is actually an extremely good game even without the exploits
Yknow, I was gonna make a quip about implying X6 isn't good without exploits, but then I came to the realization that fun =/= good. X6 is a FUN game, (subjectively) it's not that much of a GOOD game on account of all it's problems. not BAD, but not "good".
On that turtloid part, I assumed the correct way to get it is with the Blade Armor. Ive done it, it's hard to get the timing right, so you dont fly into the spikes, but it's doable. The abuse of invincibility IS just an exploit that allows you to get the part early, with less effort. (not really, since you still have to get the bats in the right position, AND still have to die or exit)
Zero Virus Stage 1 is practically entirely trial and error, handicapped or not. That said, I don't find the difficulty for Gaea unjustified, considering how easy the boss is with Gaea.
Also, Zero Virus 1 with Gaea isn't THAT hard. Not saying I can do it on my first try, but there are much harder things to complain about in the X series, like beating Launch Octopus naked.
I find it not worth the effort. Sure, Gaea is really strong against bosses, but for Shadow Devil, it's just NOT worth the amount of [parasitic bomb] you have to go through to get it there.