If the compression release is not working properly, it will experience difficulty when it comes up on compression.
While you have the breather cover removed inspecting things there, it would be a good thing to check valve clearance as it affects the compression release.
and you are right there, no added disassembly required.
Now as far as the dippy sticky, they are known to wiggle side to side a bit when idling like a Mexican jumpin' bean, but not pop out of it's hole like a scared gopher.
