hold on, I don't find that irritating at all. How is this discouraging? I'd like to be able to see easily and differentiate between what levels I've tried and not solved yet and ones I haven't tried at all and solved levels.
I've tried the exp a little bit btw, I like it so far. I also agree with Icho I'd also like the option to just open a pack from the start to see it's own personal start screen and whatever.
pressing ESC to get out of the selection menu would be nice.