At one time I thought it was a good idea but I agree with what you stated above. They should play it closer to the end of the entire show (insead of ending the main set/first encore with it) and then end with something like Bad/40 or All I Want Is You.
Kite!! Hands down. THE absolute best U2 song. My 1st concert, Brisbane on Melbourne cup day! 1st time ever used as a closer. Best closer. If not kite next in line is Love Is Blindness. If I had my way though I'd have Kite then have a special performance of the unplayed wonder PROMENADE from The Unforgettable Fire.