CA in NC
Send that tandem captain of yours to the tandem board on bikeforums.net!
Since my cpt. started hanging out there, he has become gung ho about technique on the tandem and we've switched from the awkward both riders down for every stop to me staying clipped in and him supporting the bike.

I was skeptical, even dubious, but it really is smoother and a stronger start. And he hasn't dumped me over in the street even once with that technique!