I use an electric starter when necessary. On diesels with a known good compression and needle setting, I will use a starter on difficult engines (to hand start) but only if the fuel hasn't been primed to the carb. I let the engine draw fuel on its own. If it doesn't start quickly after fuel reaches the carb, I will make an adjustment where needed.
I prefer to hand start engines too, but some engines are a royal pain to do so on.