> 0. emacs -Q
 > 1. M-: (setq split-window-keep-point nil) RET
 > 2. Visit the attached file.

Vist any file large enough to extend beyond the end of the selected
window.

 > 3. C-x 2
 >
 > The point in the original (top) window has moved (unnecessarily) from
 > the first line to the last visible one.
 >
 > The docstring of the variable `split-window-keep-point' says:
 >
 >  If non-nil, C-x 2 preserves point in the new window.
 >  If nil, adjust point in the two windows to minimize redisplay.
 >  [...]
 >
 > But in this case there was no need to adjust point, because it was in
 > a position which would remain visible after the splitting.
 >
 > This behavior is specially annoying if you are in a Dired buffer and
 > do `C-o' on a file (the point jumps to the last visible line).

Does the attached patch give better results?

martin