to get 6000, I upgraded everything except acceleration all the way. Accel was at 9 instead. Then I flew at 5% resistance, and 250 mph. After 3000 feet, I angled down a bit to 0% and then avoided the water and coasted to 6000 easily.
cornelius is not very good, but pile bunker can kill you with one hit, so it may be overpowered. by the same token, would some other power move like chi blast or slingshot (yes slingshot) be over powered? I don't think so. just switch out to avoid it.