................... Was there a big difference in starting after the repair?

Starting problems are about 95% starting technique and having a carburetor that is set up correctly.  Engines have to be in good mechanical condition to start easily.  Worn piston, rings and cylinder wall can make starting difficult. 

I have not seen repairing bearing pockets help starting unless the pockets are obviously letting the crank rattle around in the cases to the point the crank seals cannot stay in contact with the crankshaft.  Bearing pockets that are this loose will usually make the engine sound like a bucket full of bolts rattling around.