The issue with a pre mission graphic is that a player is not likely to memorize that. But once they have had some time with the system they will have the knowledge built up to just know. Thus my thought for new game plus etc
I can understand the time pressure stressing efficiency over optimization. I don't think a timer is a bad mechanic. Just introduced too early.
This would be something that shows up during playtesting. which is always the hardest part of game dev. developers have gotten so used to the system they have forgotten how it feels for new player. So It is hard to keep that in mind.