Throwing a RuntimeException because you didn't find a user in the database is just wrong

Agreed. Once had to sit someone down and explain the same for not finding a config file for an analytics library.

Him: But if an error happens, how can I explain to the boss that we don't have data? We need a clear indication that it didn't launch.

Me: I will gladly tell him, if you tell 500,000 users why they can't open the app, and our client why they've spent all this money for a splash screen.