"Actually it was the limited development time, a Treyarch developer on GAF stated splitscreen was in the original plan but was cut when they didn't have enough time."
Then hopefully the next one will finally have it, and we can see how local multiplayer helps sell these games.
A flashy-first game is awesome when it comes out. A great-first game is awesome forever.
Plus, just for the hell of it: Kelly Brook at the 2008 BAFTAs