[ben0x539]

I bet there's concerns with users who don't have a robust mental model of what applications/windows are currently alive or starting up or whatever just losing track of a window completely if it doesn't grab focus, and getting annoyed at programs seemingly failing to start up at all (because they only create a window hidden behind a newly focused window).

One-size-fits-all woes I guess.

[carlosjobim]

There's a bounce animation with the application icon in the dock, and then there's a dot next to the icon to show that the application is open. That should be enough for all users.

[jackvalentine]

Bring back splash screens! If your application takes ages to open, throw up a nice little title card.