Gosh my memory of exact detais is a bit foggy already on the Big Buddy. My problem basically was that you have to switch the lock button down, then press in and hold the ignition button with one thumb, and while hoding it down, switch the continuos flame switch on the side.
Then you can let go of the ignition button, which requires too much force for my weak and vulnerable hands.
The Big Shot ignition button is like knocking over a domino in contrast. You just turn on the gas knob, which also takes no force at all, then flick the ignite switch. So with the Big Shot, you cannot extinguish the flame at your preferred level, and restart it there again. It starts from zero and goes back down to switch off.
The Big Buddy however- yes Im sure you can set the flame size anywhere, and switch it off and on again at exact same place. But... be warned- this makes it potentially dangerous. I remember one time I ignited the Big Buddy with the flame on max. It burst into action at full flame length, very nearly setting fire to furniture.
In this respect, the Big Shot is safer.