You picked a server that the Japanese deemed as a server to gather to during early release. There are not a lot of US Timezone players left on this server, but there are a few groups; most have reached high rank status already like myself, and wont take members that are not of a specific rank.

I would take with Grover Eyeveen in-game if you are looking for a linkpearl to begin learning about the game. Linkshell is called Viva Eorzea.