For the mode start hole: remove the plastic above it and check to see that the plate that the ball hits is bent down at a 45 degree angle or so. After years of the ball smashing into it, the metal plate stands straight up like a vertical back board and the ball bounces right off. I had to remove mine and bend it down with a bench vice. I then installed it a little further back to have the ball hit the plate, and then bounce off and roll back into the saucer. Also added foam tape that absorbs the impact of the ball. All 3 of those together really helped me out. Backhanding the shot from the left flipper helps too.

As far as the upper playfield that tilts you can check to make sure it's level from side to side. If it's not, there is a small Allen head screw at the very back thats a pain in the butt to get to. You can loosen it, level the mini playfield, and then tighten the screw again. The motor only tilts so man degrees in either direction. Make the game itself is level too, then check the level of the mini playfield.