I'm not sure why people are so against the idea. It can only serve to enhance the experience of newer players - something of a rarity these days. If we want the game to succeed we need to be open to ideas that allow them to socialize while doing what we already have.

If the end result is that they play like crap that's their problem and the problem of whatever shell adopts them without vetting them.

It would also be nice to interactively spend time with friends outside of PL'ing them when they first join.