I'm saying that with a CH ignition, the timing is set with a degree wheel so that when the crankshaft is turned in it's normal direction, the spark will occur while the piston is still coming up, at 28 degrees before the piston reaches top dead center. This is the normal full advance that allows the engine to run well and be powerful. If the advance/retard fails, yes the engine will run normally at speed, but will definitely kick back when it's hand started. To prevent kickback, the CH ignition is designed to electronically retard the timing at hand cranking speeds so that rather than firing the spark when the piston is still coming up, the spark is delayed until the piston is about at top dead center. (We may be saying the same thing, I dunno)

I also said the Falkon ignition is set at 2 degrees BTDC because it electronically advances the timing to the 28 degree BTDC when the engine accelerates. If the Falkon unit's advance/retard fails, the engine will continue to start easily, but will have no power.

I'm starting to think that rather than adding to understanding, I may have contributed to more confusion regarding this stuff. I do know that proper ignition timing is one of the key ingredients to having an engine that runs strong, and runs happy. Without understanding, it is easy to get things out of kilter.