hard start after sitting

Try turning the key to "On" and wait a few seconds for the fuel pump to run and then turn off. Turn the key to off and back to "On" again. That will pressurize the fuel rail. It could be that your fuel pressure regulator is letting fuel drain back to the tank over night. The engine needs a rich mixture to start up and if the fuel pressure is low at start, the mixture is not as rich.

I had similar probs with my 99 Mazda...I replaced the fuel pump, Temp. sensor, fuel pressure regulator..strong odor of gasoline..try this .pull the plugs and see if they are fouled with fuel...if they are, take them out and completely dry them..Look into each cylinder while the plugs are out..see if you can actually see the fuel sitting or seeping into the cylinders which what was happening to me..Problem was the Injectors were stuck opened and fouling the plugs..I put a double can of SEAFOAM in the tank, took the car for a 100 mile drive to get it into the system and there are nomore issues with starting for me...give it a shot...