here being the operative word,switch start florrys are still a thing here in the uk,ok not so common for new installs but theirs still plenty of em kicking around
I think there's a significant difference between fluorescent light fittings in 240 V lands vs. 120 V lands. Having 240 V available completely changes (changed) the design of the fittings. I would need to check into it, but I think 240 V is enough to strike a large tube by itself, whereas 120 V is too low and needs help? I believe what happened is that starters in the UK simply apply the full 240 V across the tube to strike it, while in the USA a step-up transformer was needed. This additional cost accelerated the phasing out of traditional starters in North America, while allowing them to last a lot longer in the UK.
That said, the updated light fittings I put in my garage with electronic ballasts are impressive. The tubes simply light up when you flick the switch, with no start up delay or warm up time at all. They are just like incandescents, full brightness immediately. I don't know what magic sauce they put in the ballasts, but whatever it is, it seems to work.