I don't sure that method described at stevemiller.net/referrertest still work, but I should ask.
Could ODK Collect import settings via referrer construction like this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.odk.collect.android&referrer=my.site%252Fcollect.settings
Another suggestion:
When ODK Collect first run executed - app should run First Run Wizard who ask user to input:
- server url
- user name
- user password
after first connection with server app should download necessary forms and collect.settings
General goal of features above to simplify user experience when people use ODK Collet on their own devices.