SiteMesh problems prevent WebSphere 5.0.2 Operation

JIRA installs correctly under WS per user notes and mail list

On first entry to an uninitialized DB, shows a blank screen instead of the expected setup screen

After excluding the sitemesh exclude directive per user comment:

<filter-name>sitemesh-exclude</filter-name>
<url-pattern>/secure/*</url-pattern>
</filter-mapping>

the application starts and behaves relatively correctly but with only partial display of portlets and no styling.

A screenshot is attached (if attachment enabled)