Even without cartridge tilt, its possible (and quite easy) to crash the game on the file select screen. So the run wouldn't really have any substance to it.
I did one too, would love to see category on the leaderboards (also this is a somewhat consistent camera setup)
Cloning items (stars included) can be done by doing some shenanigans with methods of holding vacant item slots, like an exploded bomb but it's extremely difficult to control what will fill that slot and you usually end up holding dust.
If you want to submit them, record them. If not, then when or if you record them is entirely up to you, they just won't be able to be verified.
I got a decent time in a few minutes, I feel like a horrible person but the category is fun so... Also sorry for the video/audio quality
technically if you could get hands free you could, but like, why?
Mupen64 plus should be fine for windows, I used it for a while before switching to console. Idk about wii
You need an everdrive and the usamune ROM, that will let you use save states and go to different worlds right away