Assuming the Sprout icon is there for the purpose of identifying new players so we can help them get started and progress effectively w/o feeling lost.
I don't think it's intended to be a dis guy sux flag, thats cynical MMO community association. I'd like to think SE has this sort of thing to encourage helpful communication for new subscribers
Them not being in a Free Company - the absence of a having <FC_Name> tag - and NOT having a sprouting icon to me is when I would send a /t for FC invite or something
Because otherwise if I see a new sprouting I assume it's just an Alt or RMT,
But if the sprout icon is gone (but still low lvl) and they're not in a FC, then I'd reach and ask if they're looking to join a FC or need pointers.
Don't know it can't be permanently disabled like in FFXI. An oversight. but omg hush critics
