alright...and update.
Finally got the case off (endedu p having to pull 3 of the 4 header bolts out....

got to test the starter, and it sounds fine (a nice whizzing motor sound with no roughness or funny noises)

accidentally broke the gasket, but its probably best i get a new one anyway. Upon removing it, i lost about 1/2 quart of oil, fought the magneto and pulled it off, and found a thin metal washer sitting inside the cover... I assume this goes on top of one of those pegs? i also found quite a few metal and other material shavings (small small pieces of a plsticky material maybe?)

the shaft on the starter has clean teeth (not hooked/bent/broken and so far all of the gears inside the case i can see look fine...

what should i do now? since its not one of the gears just inside the case or the starter, what should i do, or have done next? (im thinking at this point i may pay a dealership to do the rest, if it involves important technical stuff)