So it is what it is, another beta issue that ED will hopefully address in coming updates. This was identified back in June under DCS World 2.8 > Bugs and Problems >Installation Problems which is why I missed it in searches. See below for additional info and suggestions on which cocktails can be made to occupy your time while loading.
https://forum.dcs.world/topic/328744-obnoxious-dcs-startup-times-since-28641393-openbeta-mt-around-120-seconds/
AvgWhiteGuy's post in Obnoxious DCS startup times since 2.8.6.41393 OpenBeta MT (around 120 seconds!) was marked as the answer