Thanks. I like you answer because I am well disposed towards fixing it just because it pleases me, even if it doesn't make economic sense.
I'm not sure what you mean by "hard-nosed" bar though. Perhaps you are referring to a bar without a roller sprocket in the nose. In any case, the 1/4" pitch chain on the saw now is pretty sharp, so no hurry to change it. The hard starting problem this is a thing I need to address next. I did put a new fuel line in it already. I'm pretty sure the problem lies with the needle in the carburetor. The answer may be as simple as me learning how to properly adjust the tab that pushes the needle.
In the meantime, I have learned that the clutch drum/sprocket for 3/8" chain is readily available and easy to swap. Once that is done a good selection of chains and bars becomes available.