Here’s what I’ve done so far just to try some if the ideas that have been suggested:

I switched the digital 6 setting back to standard (no start retard) and starter kicked back when I tried starting.

Wired ignition on a toggle, spun engine w key switch , then added ignition on and...kick back

Went back to start retard on box, spun engine w key, added ignition on and...it started no kick back

Took car out for a nice spin around town, and parked it for 20 minutes. Tried to restart w spin engine first method and it fired up again. I’ve had similar results w just normal key and ignition on at same time, using start retard. Would still get occasional starter kick back. I don’t want to get too excited about two consecutive starts without kickback. Time will tell if the 2 switch method is the winner.

Has anyone tried a higher torque starter to deal w this issue?