The starting point of the new round of TPB was probably selected because:

1) LOSV storyline is epic in scope and filled with action

2) Features Karate Kid who was a player in the Lightning Saga and Countdown

3) Was the start of a new volume of the series so was probably designed as a jumping on point for new readers in the first place.

It has been a while since I read them so I do not remember how well it served the third point.