*snip*
I have the same issue regarding the attempt to call global 'start' (a nil value).
I was unable to find a solution posted. Is there one?
You never need to use start from within the programmer mode. All functions called from within the programmer mode are synchronous, meaning they have to finish before the script can continue.
See this flowchart on how the programmer mode works, it might help explain why start is never needed:
https://steemit.com/dicebot/@seuntjie/dicebot-programmer-mode-tutorial-02-process