Ah nice thorn SB starter

They are too sensitive/active, sparking the tubes rapidly instead of preheating in a slow, deliberate and less stressful way. Modern examples are infinitely better.

I find the PGS 22 are the only starters that prevent 2 foot 40w tubes from instant starting (apart from using electronic starters)

Oh yeh I think all or most 4-22w starters are too instant

I have some good new examples that match only a Philips S2 from the very early 70s in performance for 4 - 22W starting. They are new GE 155/200, made in China but rare in their good performance nonetheless.