As an earner of Frantastic, here's my advice. It's not really that difficult, it's just a matter of paying attention your first few playthroughs, and spending your coins wisely. First ship is ideal. Your first two levels use your money shield when you can, the bosses won't be difficult so there's no need to save up adrenaline for them. First card you want is the money doubling card, this is very necessary unless you want to test your luck with the gambling card. Personally, I never use gamble. You can max everything you need without gamble, but gamble can max you earlier on. You're also going to want +10 reload and damage when you can. For the rest of the bosses after 3, you may need (depending on your maneuvering skills) to use shields or cap special for the bosses, I use the cap special after dodging a bit of the first few bullet spreads. Level 5 is going to be the decider, you're going to want +30 damage if you're no good at maneuvering the narrow path (but if you can once,
you're safe) then I recommend capping or shielding (pref. reflect). Either works. As you go on, get LVL 3 Rocket Wingmen, increase your reload speed a bit and just focus on dodging, you'll be able to collect plenty sitting at the bottom center regardless. Safest spot to be for the most part. Collect where it's safe, and pay attention. Save up for +50 reload and damage (don't get +40, skip to +50). At level 9, if you can beat this you're safe. Sell the money doubling card, buy weapon enhancer and show them skillz of yours. After that, get LVL 50 Rocket Wingmen (if you can) and take Kevinater's advice on level 10. If you know the sets, you can get your weapon power-ups without risk and even max your adrenaline, and that can make the boss faster but that's all in paying attention your previous playthroughs. My way isn't the best but I, with a cheap laser mouse [insert sigh here] managed to pull it off this way, and can repeat the feat. If I can, you certainly can. So, good luck :P
Ahh.. such a relaxing game when you don't have to worry about the lives of your fellow geese. You can marvel at the sight of jets passing by without painting them..