>>> simple things like this instantly drive away my trust that they know what they're doing

It inspires me with confidence that they are focused only on things that get them launched.

That works great until it doesn’t?

What else have they ignored that is going to bite them in the ass?

Yeah okay, forget first impressions. It's such a basic thing, who knows what else they've screwed up.

Bounce rates and load times are important if you want people to try the product.