I have found that opening a project is about twice as long with the new start screen.  Has anyone else seen this?  Though I like the graphics, if this is the new norm, then I won't be needing this improvement.  If it's just me then I'll stick with it a while longer.  BTW, I don't have it set to scan VSTs while opening, so that's not the problem.  Just curious.

You are not the first:
http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3278812
 
Apparently you can speed it up by blocking the internet communication with a firewall rule (do at your own risk).
TBC - The number of projects may effect it.
The first time you use it, it will be slow.
Cheers.