In the SEPM config, you have the option to NOT transfer LU content and client packges when replicating. This option only takes effect when the 2 sites have already replicated all data. Some sites carry 50+ content revisions, and reducing the number simply to quicken the speed of replication is bad practice and forces clients who need deltas from a week or longer ago to get full revisions, further straining bandwidth.
The initial replication should have the option to NOT transfer LU content and client packages during the wizard. That functionality is already there in the replication partner options, it just needs to be introduced in the wizard.
Associated thread: https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/forums/avoid-first-database-replication