It has always seemed to me that the more you use starting fluid, the harder to start the engine becomes...
Have no proof of that, and have never used ether extensively on anything that wasn't already hurting on a number of fronts...
Strange to hear of a Honda which doesn't start easily, that is one of their trademark attributes.
Maybe a simple tune up could return the engine to it's easy-start Honda ways.
Hey, there is a recall on Honda 200 generators.... maybe you can get a nice new easy to start one for nothing.
CPSC - American Honda Recalls Portable Generators Due to Fire and Burn Hazards