So, after messing around with the backend of the leaderboard enough; it just made sense to allow DOS players to use whatever functions is necessary to get a better time. While means, basically allowing ESC.
Interesting thing 607 noticed on the runs. If you set the DOS settings to "High Performance PC" than the fade out of the level post hitting ESC takes longer.
Basically, whenever you hit ESC, the time immediately stops, but level will continue. Basically, if you need one lemming to beat the level, you can hit ESC a couple seconds before the lemming hits the exit. This freezes the IGT, and the fade out for the level begins. If the lemming makes it to the goal during the fade out, then the game will count it. So using ESC not only goes faster for any given level for obvious reasons, but it also goes slightly faster on all levels with 100% needed completion rate, because you hit ESC a couple seconds before the last lemmings enter, giving them just enough time to get in before the level ends. DOSBox cycles don't appear to affect the level fade out.
Curious if anyone had an idea why "High Performance PC" would cause the fade out to last longer?
Also, would y'all like or mind if put a link the discord on the speedrun forum?