Leopard: Set the default Space to something other than #1

[Lecter]

The trick is to assign the Finder to whatever Space you want to be your default, or home space. In Spaces' preferences (located in System Preferences), click the plus sign to bring up a file browser dialog box to select an app. Navigate to /System» Library» Core Services» Finder.app and assign it to the space of your choice (number five in my case).

Whenever you quit an open app and are returned to the Finder (rather than another app), you will go to your default space. Also upon login, you will be sent automatically to the space that you assigned the Finder to.