Roy, it very well could be, and it very well could be a loss in voltage by bad connections in the starting circuit. 
Including the grounding of the starter to the bell housing and transmission ground cable to the body chassis and body chassis to the neg post on the battery. 

Each and every one of those points in the full electrical path can effect the starter from getting enough to fully energize the solenoid. 
Then add in random age and condition of the starter (even so called rebuilts) adding losses and friction to the whole thing. 

New is better than rebuilt
Clean/shiny is better than painted or old and corroded. 

Due diligence is required for faithful starting.. 
It's often neglected until it starts starting badly. 
Then is still accepted as the new normal until one is left stranded.. 

I R&R our starters at least every 3 years, 
I carry a spare (rebuilt) in our automatic vans on any trip outside AAA range. 
I update our AT vans to the cheaper and more readily available 76-79 Bay AT starter (some linkage adj necessary)
I add a Hot Start relay to all our family vans
I intend to add a starter button (bypass) in the engine compartment for easier trouble shooting of the key circuit.
I entertain the idea of A voltage gauge in the engine compartment, but seems a tad over zealous 

Unfortunately many Vanagon owners only know about the system is that
when they turn the key, it either starts or it doesn't.. 
your mechanic is not on the side of the road with you, or at your daughters dance recital when it happens the worst.

I preach self-reliance and due diligence.. 
Now I'll go out and have my van not start on my way home tonight.. 
well maybe tomorrow night, it'll be raining then
Dan in Syracuse. 
-------------------------------------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Nicholl [mailto:RNicholl@NBNet.nb.ca] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2014 11:18 AM
To: Daniel O Stevens
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Won't start - no, wait, there it goes!

Dan,

Is this one in the same as the Vanagon "hard start" issue?