Not everyone uses Xen for public domain. And not all those that use Xen do so with the intention or desire to appease the needs or wants of a percentage that wants everything their way and clicks close because shiz ain't the way they want it.
Splash screens are great for product(s) & service(s) websites. When used properly -splash pages- are the perfect place to provide details important to the domain, and act as a place to sift out links or menus that do not apply to a new visitor.
KISS.
I think a splash page is a good idea, and not everyone knows how to code one, or code one in (IE modifying a forced login page to act as a splash page).