G'day Norm, Tyler and Gadge,
.
It's just one of those historical things with individual manufacturers - I should add, that Honda's procedure here is consistent across all of their product lines, from small engines through motorcycles to cars.
Has been that way since the 1960s at least - that was the oldest [4-stroke] Honda I ever had. Never owned any of their 2-strokes.
How is the regular punter expected to be on top of this ridiculous nonsense?
2 strokes remove that issue -but start others!