It's a good point. I mean not to ignore points completely; as I still get the huge cristal on a lot of levels when possible, but where it's just more likely to risk a life than give one (1m is a LOT of points for new players, and the next life isn't until 2m after that) I just go for progression.
You're right though. You should practice killing them in order when it's reasonable, and 54's actually one of the levels I'm looking forward to perfecting. Free orange. (I just need to get the damn wooden master key first)