Some of yous that haven’t run the 4300/421/420 and compared to the ms250 should do that.
the ms250 is overpriced by quite a bit, IMO, especially when there are better available for less money from Echo and Makita.
Edit; I just recalled that both ms250’s I have run required quite a pull to start. My Dolmar 420 requires almost no pull at all.
anyway...
I would like to try 1 out if i could find a deal i like on 1. I've watched for them but haven,t pressed into getting 1 because i am not lacking in good quality 40 to 50cc saws that do every thing i need reliably. My current fleet I pick from for my chainsaw work 40 to 50cc are an muffler modded 025 (ms250's original #), a ported 026,023,Echo cs490, cs400 and an Efco mt4000 . I have found good to excellent deals on all of them without a great amount of effort. If a likable deal comes that easy on a dolmar/makita of 1 of those models i am game. Seldom do i buy new unless its dirt cheap. The cs490 was 25 or 35% off. Looks like its made better then the stihls or efco but so far it hasn't impressed me any way to want to use it in any one of thems stead, which was originally my plan was for it to be a primary and make use of the warranty if needed.
My favorite most of the time is the 025 unless i need the extra power of the 026 or if the saw is in a high risk situation a cheaper saw big enough to do the job.
The 025 i expect is probably +20 years. Its been in my main line up about 5 or more years replacing a stolen 025 i forget how many years i used. Before that i often worked with a state tree nursey owned 025 they had for years prior to my employment of 10 years with them. Most often i had prison inmate for a helper and i mostly used bigger saws and an inmate would get to use the 025. 10 years with that already used saw i only remember replacing chains, bar probably a sprocket or 2.
So the crankcase is plastic vs magnesium, doesn't seem to be a problem here in IN, usa. Will the colder temps in Canada and AK be different enough the crankcases need to be magnesium to last?
I personally know 2 people that were starting and using stihl EZ starts up to 90 years old and facing death from health failure. By the way the echo cs400 starts, nice, smooth and easy but when your shoulder is not working well , mines been there and has been far off 100% for 20+ years ,sometimes more,sometimes less any way i don't think you will beat the EZ start for a lame or weakened limb or shoulder without building a better easy start or going electric.