Is there something wrong with the recoil mechanism on these saws? We have a couple very-well-abused 044s where I work (without compression release) and I've never once had one lock up or pull back hard on me. But I do always make sure the piston is at TDC before giving it a good dedicated pull, which I think is critical. I have had my 660 pull back hard on occasion if I don't do this, but it also has an Elasto-start handle which mitigates some of the shock.
Also, what is this business of "between-the-legs" starting? Maybe it's just a different description for something that I in fact do myself sometimes, but it just sounds dangerous. I'd like to see a picture of what is meant by this. Generally I drop-start all my saws except for the 090 since it's so bloody heavy and big that it's easier to stand on the handle and pull. That saw HAS beat me down a few times, once bruising my right knee quite badly
And regarding D-handles, I have been advised before that they are even worse to use in a situation where a severe kickback is possible, because your hand is enclosed in the handle. I personally don't see that as being any worse than the post of a T-handle being between my fingers though. But I did have a 6-HP lawn mower engine with a D-handle backfire once on me (ignition timing was off), and it ripped the handle out of my hands so violently I thought it had broken every finger on that hand. That isn't to say a T-handle would have been better.
I developed tendonitis and mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my wrists when I worked grading blocks at a fingerjoint mill a few years back, and it still bothers me if I get doing something repetitive or with a lot of vibration. After a good day of CSM-ing, I have next to no strength (and sometimes feeling) left in my hands and wrists from the constant pressure and vibration of pushing the mill. Something the physiotherapist showed me to help alleviate tendon-related wrist pain is to hold your arm at shoulder level in front of you, palm out like a traffic cop giving the "stop" sign. Then pull back on the tips of your fingers, pulling the back of your hand towards your elbow. You'll feel a good stretch at the underside of your wrist, and it'll hurt a bit at first, especially if it's inflamed. But just pull until it starts to hurt and then hold for 15-30 seconds at a time, and repeat throughout the day. You can also try turning your arm over and doing it with your hand pointing downwards. This procedure stretches out the tendons a little bit and just loosens things up like any good stretching does, and helps lessen the pain somewhat for me anyway. It sounds like it might have an effect similar to the outstretched alphabet exercise previously described, albeit more forcefully.
