I applaud your restraint. I could use some.
I am working on building new DVD builder from two directions (removing non-free and never installing them). I am including your splash, lest you protest, because it is a product of the organization who create the current splashes. I have looked into it enough to know that it should not interfere with anything. Adding the line to the grub menu to address the shutdown also fixes the native nvidia shutdown problem without interfering with ati or via. If G** crashes, that would make me very sad inside, but I believe the greater good is served.
Thank you for your contribution, and discretion. I want to be like you when I grow up.