Where does Soldier Blade rank?

[FiftyQuid]

I've been playing Soldier Blade for about a week.  I've managed to complete operation 4 and make it to the final boss of operation 5.  This game is not kicking the shit out of me, but it's difficult.  So that made me wonder, where in the shoot 'em ups of TurboGrafx does Soldier Blade rank?

More difficult that Air Zonk?  Less than Blazing Lasers?  I just want to know where I stand on the suck-o-meter for shooters.

[PunkicCyborg]

here's how I would rate some better known shooters from easy to hard
magical chase
star parodier
spriggan
final soldier
dead moon
air zonk
download
blazing lazers
w ring
lords of thunder
soldier blade
gate of thunder
kyukyoku tiger
image fight
nexzr
rayxanber ii
violent soldier
tatsujin

[FiftyQuid]

here's how I would rate some better known shooters from easy to hard
magical chase
star parodier
spriggan
final soldier
dead moon
air zonk
download
blazing lazers
w ring
lords of thunder
soldier blade
gate of thunder
kyukyoku tiger
image fight
nexzr
rayxanber ii
violent soldier
tatsujin

Whew!  Okay, I'm feeling a bit better.  That's assuming the top of your list is the easiest and working towards the bottom is harder.  At the same time, I feel I've been kicked in the gut because I have Gate Of Thunder and Rayxanber in the queue to play next.   

BTW, I read there are 7 levels to Soldier Blade.  Is this correct?  If so, I don't feel so bad since I'm soooo close to the end.  If incorrect, and there are 13 levels then… well, I suck.

[YANDMAN]

I personally never really give much thought to scales like this but soldier blade is such a beautifully crated and well executed shooter i never ever tire of it whether its beating you or not its a joy to play.

[Tatsujin]

gate of thunder is an easy cracked nut.