That's debatable! I've never been so tired when I was learning to kick start my R69S...I really wish there was a button to push! It's been stated before...the kick start mechanisms after the /2 era weren't as robust as they were prior to 1970. They should really only be used as an emergency type of thing (ie backup as you say) as it's POSSIBLE to break something and really ruin your day.
Nothing so cool like trying to get your fat leg up and get ahold of that kicker at a red-light after you've stalled it with a line of traffic behind you. I mean, uh I can imagine that would be awkward....