Is there a layer variable that can be set to show the Clojure REPL buffer once a REPL has started with cider-jack-in. Or any other suggestions for automatically showing the REPL buffer once the REPL has started.

Afaik using the hooks is the only good way

I found a hook that worked, so I'll add it to my book. Same setting didn't work as a variable though as I think it's being over-ridden by the Clojure layer package.el (an assumption)