Probably the only limitation to how many names you can have there is how much space you have left on your computer so... shitloads.
And removing names just removes any probability of that name appearing on any of your future knights, the textfile has nothing to do with the savefiles at all.
A Sprint Rune or the ADHD trait (+30% speed) help against bosses. The Shinobi class comes with this extra speed by default. You also should take a Vault Rune (double jump); maybe even two. Two vault runes gives you unprecedented mobility throughout the game. (FYI Sky Cape gives two jumps)
Avoid Gigantism because it makes it harder to dodge flames. Also avoid Dwarfism because it makes it harder to safely hit Ponce. Vampirism/Siphon/Balance runes are great for keeping topped up before the boss fight, but in the case of Ponce de Leon, they are useless during the boss fight itself. (They however viable against the Dungeon boss, and
great against the Forest boss)
If you're early in the game, a an upgraded Barbaian (Barbarian King) might be best because of his shout ability; it clears the flames if you get cornered. He also has lots of health so you have more chances if you mistakenly run into a flame.
If you have the upgraded Knave (Assassin), then you can use his sneak ability to simply walk through flames in a tight spot; his ability ALSO can be used to evade Ponce himself! With some Damage/Crit Chance/Crit Damage manor upgrades, he will make very quick work of any boss.
An upgraded Shinobi (Hokage) can also teleport/flash/blink through the flames. If you have quick reflexes, a Shinobi's Replacement Technique is the most mana effective dodge. He also does far and above the most damage in the game before you start maxing manor upgrades and acquiring gear (by then an Assassin or Spellblade are heavier hitting).
Best Answer
I have not found a specific pattern, but there is a trick that helps. After you talk to the clown, you have the Axe and you can throw it to hit targets, but the game doesn't start counting your number of throws until AFTER you pass through the doorway into the target room.
Stand just outside the doorway to the target room, jump as high as you can and throw an axe. This will destroy several targets, but it doesn't count as one of your five throws. Then, enter the room and throw axes as normal.
My only other tip is to try to ensure your axe has a chance to hit targets both on the way up and on the way down. Also, you may need to jump just a little to make sure it hits the top row, but not too high or else you'll miss out on part of the axe's arc at the top as it goes over some targets.