Robert--
I have a Mantis which I use several times a year, even though I also have a rear-tine tiller. I use the Mantis for the following things:
-- Mixing new topsoil into garden beds.
-- Settling dirt into new areas. For example, I am in the process of laying a stone wall, and when I have spoil from another location I dump it behind the wall and use the Mantis to break it up and spread it around.
-- digging holes for trees and shrubs. The Mantis works very well at pulverizing our hard clay, and I can either spray it out the circumference of the hole to be pulled back in or shovel it out of the hole with less effort.
As to starting, I had another Mantis several years ago which was a real pain to start. I got a new one two years ago and have been very impressed with its starting. The Mantis does jump around, but that's not been a problem. I would, however, look at the Honda before I made a decision.