In the 3.0 client it appears the default display layout is 'All Monitors'. I can set 'FullScreen' through the 'desktopLayout' switch but, when I do that, all other options are grayed out. I would like to be able to set 'Full Screen' as the default option but, allow users to select 'All monitors' if they would like to do so.
In the 5.4 client 'Full Screen' is the default layout.
I've also opened a ticket with VMware. Their initial response was to use the 'scripting definitions' policies in the client adm file. But, this results in the same behavior as the /desktoplayout switch, all other options grayed out. They then mentioned that the 5.4 client will save the last selection for desktop layout. This also doesn't happen on the 3.0 client.
Update:
Also, found that if you don't use any command line switches or Scripting Definition settings in GPO, the client will use the prefs.txt file at 'c:\users\%username%\appdata\roaming\VMware\VMware Horizon View Client' to retain the settings of your last connection. However, as soon as a command line switch or GPO is used the client no longer uses this prefs.txt file and previous settings are not retained. That is why I'm seeing the client always revert to 'All Monitors.' For my environment I have to use the switches.
It appears this is all by design but, it's very frustrating. I wish they would have left 'full screen' as the default option, as it is in the 5.x clients or at least give us a way to set the default selection but leave the option to select another display layout when needed.