I've never had to do that and I've bought 5-6 bags and accessories since Dec. It doesn't bother me, though. Probably better in the long run.
I just purchased my Mono Riveting bag yesterday and I did not have to initial the receipt.
I have had to do it on everything since December (3 items) in the boutique. I think it's a new policy (possibly because people are buying bags, using them and then trying to return them). I imagine this is very expensive company-wide for LV - they can't necessarily resell the bags then.
It's always bothered me too when I see posts about people returning bags used for several weeks because I worry that I would get a "used" bag, so I'm glad for any new policy that might cut down on that. While I know it's hard, I do think it's better to research a purchase carefully before buying rather than buying, using and returning, so I don't mind the new policy.