I think I can figure why the Powertorque is kicking. The gear reduction effect effectively reduces the load on the motor and the PT is just extra prone to kick backs maybe due to higher compression and/or their decompression valve, being a different design to the FC one, just isn't as effective in this situation.

Also the pull start mechanism might let you physically pull the motor over faster than the FC allows you to, especially the side pull version which has a gear reduction itself for less effort on pulling the rope.
Maybe the key is don't pull so quickly as you might otherwise want to.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!