...the points my actions are granting me?

Maybe someone can tell me what i can do better next time ;)

Cut off the two legs at once - but only 33k points.

If your moves have a higher speed AKA momentum, there is a higher point reward.
However, certain parts of the body grant different points like the hands give none while the head gives the most.

To increase the damage of your hits
I suggest you gain speed,power and momentum

for Momentum
What I do to gain momentum is to balance and lower my body down and try to gain momentum but jumping or raising my whole body upwards and I will strike a hit

as for Speed
I suggest you come from a distance and try to come closer to uke in a fast and powerful way and execute a large blow by kicking or punch forwards

as for Power
Try to combine speed and momentum and try to use the arms and legs to increase the accuracy of the hit and extend the punching/kicking arm/knee


I suggest you practice in stiff style (holding) first
then when you get used to it try to relax some joints that you dont use

Hope this helps and good luck!

Well, relaxing the right joints while planning an attack can be super effective. It takes practice, but you'll get the basics of 'relax all' style. Just try to 'push' the limb you wish to attack with towards your opponent, using the joints beside it. Also, I would suggest plain punching instead of DMs. DMs are for dq's, but just punching/kicking someone will do more damage, especially when grabbing the opponent.