Hi Guys,
"friendlier" I don't know about, more powerful a difinite, Both will crank like the OS FP's second flip! Both will run on 5% fuel, Both will run on the same prop 12/5 to 12/6, Both are nice engines I have them both! The LA40 is a good 40 and the LA46 is a top of the line 46. It may be the oinly 46 I'll put into a Sig Magnum.
If selected wisdom is not available for you use, always go with more horsepower! You can't go wrong.
Mike Clark