Well, I have never worked on an 8hp "A" model, only the D. The A is what I call the "old style" being similar in design as the models from well before 2000.
Honda introduced the D models in 2002.
It's been awhile since I worked on them but I don't remember the D model having a neutral gear throttle lockout. I don't think that the A should have one either but don't know.
The A model neutral switch consists of an electric reed type switch that is magnetically controlled to prevent engine start in neutral by disabling the ignition. The shift mechanism has nothing to do with the throttle as far as I know.
However, you make a good observation about having to force the throttle sometimes because your A model carburetor is part cable and part wire rod linkage actuated.
I don't think any of that has anything to do with the hard pull start complaint but, as you can see in the link below, the throttle cable is no longer available. See item 1.
The cable works a bell crank type throttle arm (item 3) that translates throttle movement from cable to solid carb linkage. That arm is supported by bushings and other hardware that can wear and/or come loose.
I'm bringing all this up because, due to the unavailability of parts, damage to that cable, in particular, because of poor adjustment or lack of lube, would make it difficult to continue using the outboard.
I suggest you look into what is causing that binding and correct it if you can.
An additional thought about the high resistance to pulling the rope is the pull start mechanism itself.
I don't think that type (without neutral interlock) is necessarily problematic but it is just another thing to consider if you can't find an obvious cause.
Good luck.
