RE: Engine running Backwards?
It should also be pointed out that glow engines can start without the ignitor being connected. The glow plug acts as a catalysis to react with the methanol in the fuel.
Part of the trouble with our sport has been it's rapid growth. So quite often we have people showing people the ropes without all that much experience. Back when people actually had to build their airplanes, they spent a lot of time watching others fly and helping out which gave rise to a better training and sharing of knowledge. It generally takes two to fly control line for instance. Starters were rare 40 years ago, so starting by hand was routine.
I learned from modelers that started flying models in the 40's. So I accept that there is much less experience, and a general dumbing down of relevant knowledge. It's that way everywhere in all aspects of life for the last 50 years.