Mac OS X folders outside the Home folder don't seem to remember their view settings, such as list view or icon positions. The reason is that they are owned by root, and only the owner can make permanent changes. Login as root, and your settings will stick.
[Editor's note: I have not tried this myself yet, mainly because I hardly ever open a folder any more :-). But if you do use folder views, it makes sense that only the owner would have permission to change the view settings...]
Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20011214213328566