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I’m sure the newer style pistons/rings will work just fine, just pointing out that you have to be careful. I haven’t researched this, so maybe OMC really did supercede the older style pistons to the newer style. But, the superceded part number would probably have been for a “kit”, that would have included the newer style rings. If not, the OMC price book would have spelled out that you needed the newer style rings as well.
OK, there is spark on both cylinders, so I am sure that the coil primary leads are connected to the correct set of points. But, just because there is strong spark does not guarantee the timing is correct. Generally speaking, the coil that faces forward is connected to the #1/top cylinder. It is very easy to get things mixed up while rewiring plug leads and coils, I have done it many times. I never trust myself, so leave the plug leads “long/untrimmed”, until I have gotten the engine running and am sure I have gotten it right. I’m not saying you have it mixed up, just saying it is an easy mistake to make.
So, I would start by priming the cylinders with fuel/oil mix to see if that gets the engine running. If not, then I would simply swap plug leads and try again. There is a “stop” on the mag plate that limits the max throttle setting in neutral, I would just advance the throttle to that position while trying to start it. And yes, that cheesy plastic choke detent is a poor design and the choke knob on that model is not very easy to use properly either.