Yes, for E-start, the load on the starter motor is less when the clutch is pulled in, because it doesn't need to turn the transmission.
However, when kick starting, it does have to turn the transmission because that is how the kicker is mechanically connected thru the clutch, and so the clutch obviously cannot be pulled in when kicking.
Regarding the decompressor, I don't know what B.W. is precisely doing with that, but it looks like it is working nicely.
We have installed the Harley type pushbutton decompressors like Ice pictured up above, and they have worked out well for the few people that asked us to do them.