I don't have a problem with a slow start or build, as long as it's interesting and gets my attention. There's a difference between boring and slow build. If I'm intrigued by the story but it doesn't slam me in the head with action in the first two sentences, that's still good.

And if that slow but interesting start doesn't go anywhere, doesn't add more intrigue or questions within the first pages, I'll stop. Don't know how many pages but I'll read as long as there are some breadcrumbs for me to pick up and enjoy. Give me more questions, drop more clues, make me wonder what you're not telling me yet.

You can also have action without intrigue or interest. So coming out of the gate with an inciting incident is only good if it's well done and still holds enough intrigue to keep me wanting more.

So for me, it's not about punching a reader in the face in the first paragraph or page, it's about keeping them interested.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth! Thanks for an interesting read!