Thanks for adding that experience to the thread, Peter. A couple of points I can add. First, the urethane foam commonly used in foam-type air filters, crumbles when it gets old - especially if it is oiled. Occasional replacement (they seem to last about 20 years with the original equipment foam) is just part of the required maintenance.
Second, having to close the choke completely to get an easy cold-start, is not unique to that Suzuki engine. I have found the same thing with the Honda OHV engines I've worked on. My current theory is that emissions-controlled engines run somewhat leaner than the engines of long ago, and this makes them perhaps a bit more sensitive to poor maintenance, including the build-up of gum in the carburetor, and the proper set-up of linkages.
Third, two strokes tend to accumulate carbon, especially in the exhaust system, if they are run a lot at idle or light load, and especially if they do not have regular lengthy runs at fairly heavy load to burn it out. This will be a lot worse if you use poor quality 2 stroke oil, or more than the recommended proportion of oil. Of course the spark plug is likely to suffer faster than the muffler, but probably the spark arrestor, if you have one, is even more sensitive.
Personally I wouldn't have a conventional two stroke mower because even good ones like the Suzuki don't run well enough to make the job enjoyable (to me), but for some specific jobs they are the best solution, even in modern times. However I think it is evident that it would not be worthwhile for a non-technical private owner to keep one of your Suzukis running over the long term. The carburetor will require cleaning occasionally, even with good operating practice, and the job is beyond most (nearly all?) mower repair shops. Yes, a good car mechanic could clean them successfully, by taking his time over it. However, would anyone want to pay for that time? I suspect not.
