Why?
Forgive me please for wondering out loud, but why are we more worried about the method of handswinging than asking the question: Why are we handswinging in the first place?
Please don't take this as a personal slight on anyone, but as a general comment on the practice of this procedure.
Why are we trying to get airborne in an arguably/possibly unserviceable aeroplane? How do we know that getting the engine started will result in a serviceable aircraft?
Why was the battery unable to do the job? Was the Master left on, is there a fault with the starter motor or engine that lead to battery discharge during start attempts, is the alternator failed, is the battery failed, are the wires and connectors corroded, frayed or broken, if we get this thing airborne and then have an alternator failed will the battery provide backup power for a reasonable time as expected.
Why on a busy aerodrome surrounded by maintenance organisations would we need to resort to handswinging. Could not the battery be recharged and voltages checked to ensure the problem is solved. Could not we borrow a battery or power cart to save the need to handswing, or at least find a qualified person to help?
Sorry to sound like a safety magazine, but maybe if we paid more attention to them we wouldn't get so many repeats of previous accidents. I recall the Cessna getting briefly airborne at Tamworth a few years ago.
Tin helmet on.