I started off with the chicken stick and was blessed with an engine that started on the first or second flip 98% of the time.
My second engine was again exceptionally easy to start and I thought the electric starter was a waste of money.
Somewhere along the line I got a coupon for a discount on the Tower branded heavy duty starter and battery combo and needed another item to get up to the $$$ off amout so the starter and battery were added to the purchase.
They sat around for long time and were never used, and then a new engine entered my life. I charged the battery and dragged the starter to the field.
I have never used the stick to start an engine again, as far as i am concerned the electric starter is better than sliced bread.
Even the engines that start on the first flip get the starter, touch it and they are running.
So I heartily endorse the electric starter.