Dave,
Sorry for the tardy responce.
No, inverters are not a "hot start option" thats yet another thing.
http://millerwelds.com/pdf/techart/choosingTIG.html
The above is a good link, not too technical. For regular shop work High freq. and Inverters are equal. But as competition becomes more fierce (and it is) Inverters and the whistles and bells may become affordable.
The inverter on my Miller Dynasty ($3500) is hands down superior to the HF/DC+pulse Joke of an arc starter on my Miller Aerowave ($8,000). Now the Miller Synchrowave 351 (Over $3,000) has nice smooth power but high quality low amp HF arc starting requires adjustments of internal potentiometers every few months~~which is a huge pain and not a thing you want your line welders messing with. Finally the Miller Synchrowave 250~~ (cheaper than the rest) We have had some these babies over 13 years and never have they been a problem.
So whats the moral of the story? High tech is not always the best choice (just ask Ed Craig) This is especially true with low amp GTAW (under 20 amps). Do alot of research and ask alot of questions. Visit your dealer and demo them all, next try your local technical college and ask about how the machines have proven themselves over time, this is not a thing you can find out with a factory demo.
Thats my rant for the day
Lawrence