The hard badge isnt that hard, get all upgrades and then reequip the first hull, you wont need the extra HP. Dont boost until the camera has zoomed out and use the boost sparingly, I was able to get 300,000 feet on my 2nd try with this set up.
Not only is this game alot of fun, i find it very awesome and respectable that you take criticism in stride and then use it as a way to improve your game. I hope that all games will eventually take on this communal feel.