OK friends, I spent another day getting acquainted with my GG and with trials riding. I installed my new OEM kickstart lever and had no issues. It helps me (lots) to stand on a milk crate, rock, ledge, etc. to start the bike. It allows far more leverage and, as someone suggested, a sharper kick. I’m working on the whole throttle open-Throttle half-open, etc. thing as I haven’t regularly started a two-stoke by kicking in 40+ years, but I’ll get there.
Thanks for the comments, folks. Good to know there are people willing to help and not just tell me what dumbass I am for asking for help (even if that’s what you’re thinking!).
Peace.