"Stick around the field a while and you may notice that 4-S guys spend a lot less time cranking the prop. It seems like a lot of 2-S engines are very hard to start. "

I think this is mostly due to the fact that most people have some experience before they get a 4-stroke. Also on average 4-strokes are larger on the same airframe. Larger engines are easier to start. Traditionally 2 strokes are timed for higher revs, newer pattern type 2 strokes such as the OS 1.4 are made for lower revs and compete very well with the YS 4-strokes. I like both, the only problem I have with 4 strokes is the higher maintenance and short bearing life.