Yes, I think that's why Kingdom isn't receiving the love that it deserves, because it's followed by an odd choice of song to open the shows. Going back to Zoo TV, after all the pomp and bluster, don't forget that it was followed by Zoo Station - all cavernous drum fills and the jagged guitar, leading into a superb song. Even on the Vertigo tour itself, Arcade Fire followed by either Vertigo (the song), or COBL, was pretty awesome. Similarly, I can't better whoever said that the Popmart opening was 'mind-blowing'.
I think that U2's problem is that their 'purpose written to be a hit single' effort (GOYB), isn't really that good - it's the weakest link on an otherwise consistently high quality album, and I think the band perceive that it wasn't received that well in general. Certainly not as well as Elevation, Vertigo etc. So clearly if they intended GOYB to possibly open the live shows, they then had a rethink, and settled on Breathe instead. Great song, but it just doesn't feel right as a show-opener. But, what else could they use - Crazy Tonight (non-remix)? Magnificent? If they have to use a song from the album, then I really think that NLOTH would be a far better choice. Or, why not be really brave and delve into the back catalogue? They're always going to play Streets, so why not play it where it's best - at the start of the show?