I really dont have the problem with intraparty distribution of health/vitapods (use voice coms people, makes things better) that other people seem to have. My biggest issue is the streaky nature of heart distribution. My wife and I will run a level, and have hearts all over the place, no problem keeping at a reasonable heart level. And then there are the levels, where even playing "correctly" and even with only moderately difficult foes, we are hovering between 1 and 3 health all level. A heart pops, and her comment is "im all the way up to 3.5, you take it." This has inspired us to various seemingly abusive tactics, like using the gated switchbacks to trap the npcs and gun them down over the wall. One of the segments that seems especially hard on the health bar is the gunpuppy/spike maze. If its deep enough, the gun puppies are mkIIs and its like playing one of those insane J-schmups. Even with attentive and careful play, you will ineveitably get hit by a few of the shots, and if you are already hovering at 2-3 health, it makes pushing on very frustrating.
To add insult to injury, it feels like they always add hearts to the end of a level where you wont need them, IE right before a subtown, or the terminal. Or putting two treasure levels adjacent, while i love the treasure, it would be nice for them to spread out, so less of the bonii would be wasted.
I dont know if this is strictly a multiplayer issue, ie there are plenty for 1 player, but add a 2nd to the mix, and you are screwed, but it is the only constant gripe between my wife and I about the game.
I thought hearts were supposed to heal everyone when they get picked up?