Before my dad bought a 214 or whatever in the 1980s, he had a Craftsman that would start on the first pull. Just about any mower in decent condition would, of course.
I remember "Clara." That TV spot (or spots, I don't know how many commercials were made) stood out because lawnmowers rarely got expensive TV ad time (still don't), and because hard-start conditions remain likely the #1 reason owners give up and buy a new machine.
You'd think that in the age of the smartphone, that inexpensive/reliable EFI would make it to small gas engines. Not so much, and as a result, lawnmowers as a "simple appliance" remain elusive.
It's not that EFI is without issues, but having to clean them out or adjust them simply isn't part of modern-car ownership worries. We can argue about the seasonality of mower use contributing to the problems of stale gas/Ethanol, but that merely begs the question of why not make mowers more resistant to those effects.
Footnote:
Been researching parts on a couple Deere tractors I picked up. Little carburetors (for 1-CYL Kawasaki's ...) can easily cost more than a used 4-bbl for an old car. "Cheap" is always relative