Over the years, I have found lots of******in my small gas engines and off road machines. Usually it water, rust and particles I could not identify. This was before they messed with the gasoline. I firmly believe it was condensation from the partially full fuel tanks and gas cans. I have seen lots of trash in fuel containers. Only in the last few years have I seen this syrup looking stuff in gasoline.
I have 10 small engines, some only used during the summer months. My Honda 2000 is one of the 10. What I find especially interesting is I have only found the syrup looking stuff in the Honda. I have no idea why, it is filled from the same fuel containers. I do use Stabil in the gasoline.
As I previously posted, I have never had any problem with my diesel truck or tractor.
Not living on the coast of California and with no salted roads, I have never had a rust problem. Had/have rust but not a major issue.