Given the symptoms it sounds like it might be your distributor. Put a timing light on it and see if the timing is jumping around at or around idle.
The hard starting is a common issue for most people. Not always the same issue for everyone but usually a heat induced issue. Some of it has to do with new formulated gas that boils at a much lower temp then it use to. Thus boiling gas in your carb. If its fully warm and you try and start by putting the pedal halfway down and leave it there while cranking it should start in few seconds.
If this is the issue. blocking off the heat crossover in the heads, phenolic spacer above the carb, and insulating the fuel line can help a lot.
If the issue is just the starter, fatter battery cables, insulated battery cable/starter or mini-starter can be a quick and easy fix.
