Dudeleader
I think this a bold move. There are a lot of opportunities that new players will have after this move that would have been impossible for them without the move.
New players will have the opportunity to craft items that are useable by others. The way the game was intended. They will have the chance to learn the regions the way it was meant for them to learn them - through exploration and teaming with others of their own level and a lot of hard work. They will experience the true difficulties of going from one capitol to another without the assistance of "trek masters" who will most probably have left the game. The new players will be given a chance to become significant instead of constantly in the shadows of the old-timers.
Seriously, what new players ? Where are all these new players going to materialise from ? Mars ?
They're not advertising, they can't afford to, anyone who thinks loads of new players will suddenly flock in from nowhere needs to return to planet earth, it ain't gonna happen !