[Cthugha]

This delay is xbmc related and I can't do anything about that. In xbmc settings, there is option to disable mouse. Please check whether it is disabled.

...And the delay will be considerably longer if your using a remote MySQL database as part of your setup. The XBMC logo is shown while the nessecary files to launch the app are loaded from the hard disk (or from the remote host). So in addition to the database startup, if you use a complex skin, this will also lengthen the delay. Get used to it.

Mine running a MySQL DB on my NAS (Over a Wireless N150 connection) and Aeon MQ4 can take anywhere from 5 - 10 seconds from launch to XBMC logo, to home screen.

I don't think it xbmc related. It's not showing the black xbmc screen until after those ~5 secs. When I start xbmc manually the black xbmc screen is shown immediately and it only takes 2-3 secs until it's fully loaded. Newly reinstalled machine with SSD, Windows 8 Pro x64 and xbmc 12 alpha 6. Local DB and default Confluence skin.

Mouse disabled in settings but still shows up when launched via XBMC Launcher. (edit: it doesn't look or act like the mouse cursor you normally get in xbmc, it's most likely the Windows mouse cursor...)

Have you ever tested it on Windows 8?