[danielkitchener]

Simple Physics:
2as = vf^2 - vi^2
from a rest, vi=0
vf = vmax = 10 ft/sec
a = accel of gravity = 32.174 ft/sec^2
s = distance
thus, distance = 1.55 ft = 1 ft, 6.6"
Standard stair size = 4-8"
Assuming stairs are average, this means 3 6" stairs, 5 4" stairs (about) or 2-3 8"stairs, though the 6" ones fit the equations so much nicer.
So, 3 6" stairs is my guess
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As for paths, possibly a choice between autonomous or user mode for at least a small portion of time. User is easier, but autonomous might give more points/time. Reference to "time to choose" might mean you do one autonomous mode (at start, probably) and then get to pick whether to go back into it or not further on (middle or end of game).
But, again, these are just my theories