KDoerr,
I am having similar hard start problems. Takes three separate crankings to get it to fire. Turns over fine every time. When it does start, sometimes it runs rough for a few seconds and the check gauges idiot light comes on until it smooths out. I have a BD X-Monitor gauge. When I turn on the key, the initial fuel pressure is about 14 psi. I wait until it gets down to about 2 before starting to crank. Doesn't seem to make much difference. Also it is intermittent. Can go some days with it starting right up on the first try. Also doesn't seem to matter if cold or hot.
How did you find out it was the check valve? Did you replace it?