I have a gas insert in fireplace. The pezio button makes a spark when I push it and the control is in the pilot light position, but the gas won't ignite. I had a repair man come last year, $90, and wish I'd watched what he did. How can I get it lighted? Can I use a match at the pilot light ? Is there anyway to check if the gas is coming in without causing a dangerous situation? What else should I check and HOW? This has been one obstinate stove, seems to be hard to start every year.
I have checked other answers, but did not scan all 100 + pages.

Push in your pilot knob while pushing the pezio and once lit hold pilot knob in for about a minute that shut light your pilot, and then turn your knob to on and it should work, if not there may be other issues with it.

I have a gas insert in fireplace. The pezio button makes a spark when I push it and the control is in the pilot light position, but the gas won't ignite. I had a repair man come last year, $90, and wish I'd watched what he did. How can I get it lighted? Can I use a match at the pilot light ? Is there anyway to check if the gas is coming in without causing a dangerous situation? What else should I check and HOW? This has been one obstinate stove, seems to be hard to start every year.
I have checked other answers, but did not scan all 100 + pages.
Yes, you can light it with a match if you can reach in far enough. The only danger would be if you pushed the gas valve and let the pilot gas run for a while before lighting it.