Hmm, have had the exact problem you mention a couple of times. I think they WERE after just starting the car to move it around in the driveway or something. Just as you describe, the motor cranks and cranks, then smells like gas. When it starts, it runs very rough for a minute or so before smoothing out.

Our dealership just advised us to treat it like it was flooded and hold the pedal to the floor when starting. It works, though it makes my neck hair stand up to floor the motor on startup.