Actually, a 3" cam doesn't protect the start (although I suppose it depends on how tall you are/how high you can reach). After trying to do the move off the deck unprotected (start of the crux imo with a possible long nasty fall down the hill), I decided to put in a piece first, but I had to use a #4. The 3 can go in a bit higher.
I felt the thin start variation sucked compared to the wide start. Way easier, not as thought-provoking. Really small gear required, but the flake is so hollow I'm not sure it would hold a fall.
I heard someone call the wide flake start a "hand crack." I had to lieback it. Even for someone with big hands, jamming would be awkward I would imagine.
I also found this route to be sooo much better/more satisfying than Lean and Mean.