Agreed, starter fluid isn't what it used to be. My thought is that maybe it's toned down due to the amount of diesel owners on the road these days. Tons more folks, at least in my area, are driving diesels and don't know anything about them. Spraying starter fluid in a diesel can't be catastrophic.
Rather than starter fluid, I would get a can of carb cleaner. Spray inside the tire, then step back and light the stream from the can. I wouldn't necessarily light the tire itself as it's pretty flammable. Use the little tube on the can so you get more of a stream. I've done it many times, works well. Just move quickly, carb cleaner dries very quickly.
Oh, and use one of those long grill lighters, a bic is a good way to singe hairs. Ask me how I know, ha