@redchilis - In the case of a single radio acting as both a client (sta mode) and an AP, it is necessary for the sta mode connection to be established first because the upstream AP determines the channel that must be used for the radio in the downstream device (for both sta and AP modes). Because of this, if the upstream connection cannot be established, the AP cannot start.
There is a very good workaround, thouhg -- check out Travelmate which is designed exactly for this situatoin.