2 destroyed starters in a row...WTH?

Yes, I'm saying that the carbon buildup is breaking starters. Your carb is probably jetted too rich causing the carbon buildup, then the carbon glows red hot when the motor warms up, causing pre-ignition. We would advise folks to pump the gas pedal at least once to the floor before starting a hot motor; the extra fuel would cool the carbon; no pre-ignition from red hot carbon. Pumping a shot of fuel in there is a pretty simple test before you go replacing ignition parts. Also, if you give it maybe thirty seconds before you crank it, the fuel has time to vaporize before it enters the cylinder.