Out of many hundreds of flights that I saw last week at Bomber Field, about the only pilots that I saw using electric starters were the ones that used glow engines (B-17 bombers etc.). I would guess that 95% or more of the gasoline engines were started by hand. A few used spring starters. These were not being started by bragging or macho pilots.

Why carry a battery and starter to the flight line if you don't need it. If you are worried about getting whacked, then use a welders glove. No battery required.

Ken