My last Craftsman, in the second season, was a struggle to start... broke two pull cords. When the second cord snapped so did I. Holding the bar, I beat it against a tree until there was nothing left but the piece of the bar I was holding.
Sounds like some good old fashioned therapy to me. Clearly a cost savings move. One hour on the couch is what, 175 dollars, maybe 200? Look at the money you saved.