@rojo: Not a disability expert, but I imagine the time difference between Handcycle/Disability start time and Women's Elite within your 8:25 am proposal would likely involve the uphill nature of the start.
Non-Elite wheelchairs/handcycles in particular probably need ample time to crest the Veranzano Bridge. If runner's can beat those folks to the crest, I foresee grumblings (or worse, accidents) once the descent begins.
I agree in the Men before Women start IF the elite fields have a separate start. In regards to Boston/NYC, I think we should forego the separate starts considering WR ineligibility (or improbability at NYC). As a former Sub-Elite at NYCM, it was a cool part of the experience to be technically in the mix. This being said, NYRR has cash prizes for categories outside the elite field, (perhaps there is a second purse for the mass start?
Chicago in particular need to return to a women's record-eligible format; but mirroring sentiments on the CHI Marathon/Adidas Thread, I think we should decertify them from WMM until the organizers stop turning it into a Nike TT and return some funding to the purse. There are far better marathons (Valencia, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, etc.) who have proved to be deserving of more professional attention.