I totally understand what you are saying. I think there are 2 types of kick starter guys. One type is like yourself. You enjoy the challenge and the satisfaction of manually starting a machine. You like kick starting because you are confident the engine is tuned and the charging system is working 100%. The other type is the lads that don't have their engine tuned correctly/battery is not fully charged, etc., and by default must kick start.It's funny you mention that because it is actually one of the reasons why I like kick starting my bike. I see everybody get out of work and get in their cars with a look of dread. They all want to be home but none of them are looking forward to the drive home. How many smiling faces do you see behind the wheel during rush hour? When I come out after a long day at work, kick starting my bike literally puts a smile on my face. There is a great sense of satisfaction because I built it, I tuned it, and I STARTED it. It's kind of a primal man-vs-machine thing. Riding this bike is a joy and it all starts with the kicker.
Electric start is easy but has an electric starter ever made you happy? Can happiness ever be found in "stuff" that makes life "easy"?
I think kick starting is mostly suitable for the under 60 crowd. I suspect most over 60 lads are very happy to use the electric start. I know I'm very happy to use the electric starter on my bike.
I remember my parents talking about using a hand crank to start cars. I don't think they found any happiness in doing it. It was just doing what was needed.