I have an old Shindaiwa 488 that's ridiculously easy to start, given that it doesn't have a primer bulb, decomp or spring-loaded starter. But it doesn't have the power to handle a bar & chain long enough to deal with the big old-growth oaks that have been blown down on my property the last few years. They aren't rotten. Just uprooted.I have a Dolmar 6100 also and can well attest to its ease of starting and smooth running, obviously good power and excellent filtration. You do however mention arthritis and joint pains so another saw that I think you should consider is the Dolmar 420 or 421, not sure what the Makita model is. Same easy start and smooth anti-vibe, just with a 42cc instead of the 60cc.
It would probably make more financial sense to let those big trees rot and just buy firewood, but it doesn't feel right.