Tune it like you are saying it will be a LAZY Dog. The reason it don't start right away is because there is NOT enough initial timing in it. Sounds like it just cranks freely from what I have read. If there is too much initial timing in it the starter will kick back. That will be your sign there is too much initial timing.
Tune it how you want. 12* initial is a JOKE. It actually sounds pretty good where it is now at 19* so your theory is shot and out the window. Enough said.