Just think what might have happened if the engine had started with the throttle wide open.
The Rotax is designed to only start at idle
.
Yes, and that design usually works. Even likes choke applied, unless thoroughly warmed up. I was taught about it exhaustively - the rule should apply to most carburetted engines. With wide open throttle, a starting engine cannot develop sufficient airspeed in the venturi.
But had a can of aether ("Start-Pilote" or such) been around, I might have been severely tempted - and the results might indeed have been disastrous. But be assured: the plane was heading to the open, nobody in front of it, brakes applied, and my other hand ready to cut the magneto's. I am not a permanent idiot, not yet at least.
I am now finding an acronym ("to start - pull all" or such) to help remember the right direction of the throttle.
@DAR: the 10-second habit seems a good idea, thanks!