[68FB]

Sounds like fuel pump or fuel pump relay failing intermittently to me too. A while back I wanted to test a sensor response while the engine was cranking so I pulled the relay to prevent the pump running and started the engine to run it out of fuel. When it petered out, I restarted it expecting it to just crank, but it didn't - it did just what yours is doing, cranked, fired up grudgingly, ran real rough and then died. I had to quit before I burned the starter out, it just kept starting and dying.

 

[68FB]

Yeah, being an intermittent problem makes it more likely to be a burnt commutator in the pump than a problem with the relay, IMO. But if it dies completely, there are some simple electrical checks you can do to confirm if it is the pump or the relay.

You can also carry a 2' long piece of 2x4. If it won't start, pull out the rear seat and turn the key to the #2 position. If you can't hear the hum of the pump, bang on the sheet metal around the pump with the 2x4 to get it going again.
But I understand if you are a suit-clad professional making house calls, that may not be a viable option.

 

[68FB]

It's interesting that you can hear the hum of the pump because I can't, even from the back seat (although that may be the 24 years difference in age). Maybe an audible hum indicates the pump is getting worn?