Since the first stop off altitude is so important, why do we relegate it to a a small box on a SID chart and assume that, because it is there, the crew will have read it? What on earth is so wrong about giving the first assigned level/altitude along with the SID designator when the crew checks in with ATC for their clearance? Eg "you are cleared the........SID, maintain 4000'." clear and unambiguous and no chance of it being missed. KISS, methinks.