Stage Mode - Can't beat stage 3 difficult

[STM1993]

I've been playing default stage mode, Difficult - I used to play only Normal. I'm trying to play solo without any criminal help. However, I never made it past stage 3-4(I usually lose at 3-2 or 3-3); I'm asking for help because I have no idea how to handle multiple enemies(more than 3 to be exact) and projectile spam. Note that I'm using any of the hero characters except Henry, but I'd like to stick to Dennis.

Main problems I face:

• Mark. He has ridiculous throwing strength, long punching reach and D>J. D>J is hard to deal with because I can't use projectiles(it'd reflect), and I can't try to hit him out of it as I'd definitely get hit myself, and he loves to use it upclose.
  
• Sorcerer. They spam projectiles and they cast it pretty quickly, and then they'd run away.
  
• I can't isolate and kill the boss, especially if my character uses arest instead of vrest for dash attacks. I end up killing soldiers all too often.
  
• For bosses I have most trouble with: homing projectiles(Dennis & John), Dennis' spin kick, Henry's running and D>A in the middle of D>J attack, Louis armor(because of other enemies). Palm attacks if I'm using state 3005/3006 attacks.

What I normally do:
Spam >>JA (I need to work on my precision and pressing speed).
Throw knives if possible, ignore other weapons.
Constantly run away and then use D>A.
I tend not to use Defend because I end up getting stuck.
I rely a lot on D>J attacks; most are good for dealing with projectiles.
I tend to row out of attacks a lot. In hindsight that's probably not a good idea.

A quick replay.

I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. Am I being too aggressive? What should I improve on?

EDIT (060414):
Things to improve on:
* Button-pressing for >>
* Avoid flipping after falling in stage
* Do not lose cool on taking damage
* Timing for hitting A for normal attack
* Accuracy of JA
* Learn when to use D>A, D^A & DvA
* Master timing for attacking alongside D^A
* Learn to watch crowd and split the crowd
* Improve button handling of grab
* Learn to let go of direction just before attacking