Thanks, I think I know what's happening. As the shields get lower Lonatharil replaces one with the A1 shield and then I guess it gets stolen and hell brakes loose and all shields get smashed. Looks like my idea of not using TM control is not going to work on higher levels.
Gotcha. Scarab can definitely be a little finnicky/touchy with speed tuning, but I'm glad you solved it. :)