RQ: Gradius 3 Arcade's Lava Level (Level 7)

[Master O]

Do you guys have any good strategies for that particular level?

[beatsgo]

What I've seen in multiple runs consist of these two strategies to this stage's madness:
-Avoid shooting too many meteor's into clumps of small fireballs.
-Shoot everything assuming you're fully powered up. This way slowdown will be induce constantly.

...and suggestions:
-Stay left as much as possible. No enemy or meteor will appear to the left side of the screen.
-Use the environment to your advantage.
-Type b: avoid using missiles. The splash area of the missile covers up enemy shots (!), so be sure when to use it.

Of course, DON'T DIE! PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, BUT DON'T BE AFRAID TO SCREWUP

Video references:
Succulla example
Seahawk example
YDA example

[Aquas]

The meteors are pre-determined so there are some places you can hide-away, as beatsgo suggested, using the environment to duck around in safe places.