well, the game rewards the player to pick creative routes in order to save time, It also needs the player to choose which tecnique to use in order to keep high momentum otherwise It would loose much time.
Platinum medals demands that from the player.
Combat-wise the player have to mix the moves in order to have an high combo indicator wich results in highter damage, in other words the better the player knows how to use all the moves without bailing, the quicker the fight will end.
The levels offers different objectives so It's not always run fast, like collecting specific items before the time expires, or make havoc in and area with branching paths and reach a specific score.
The game surely doesn't put a skill wall to the more casual players, If not interested the player get from point A to point B without great issues, but surely It will miss most of what the game is about.
That said, I hope you'll give It a second chance in the future.