I tend to agree with ChickenWing here, though not totally.

New players on established servers cannot make it across even with the best of luck, and though that isn't the end of the game, it leaves a little wiggle room for improvement.
At one point, I liked the current setup, and did not support an idea like this, but after watching some friends join recently, changed my opinion.
I think that the first 7-14 days on a server should be protected by a beginner protection or some other type of "shield" that allows the new player to experience most events, including pirates, for even a short period. At this point, when the protection ends, the player may be more likely to remain focused, active and try to get powerful enough to sail again. At very least it gives them taste of what they could have if they continue growing. I think it kills some of the "new player frustration" that so many complain about.
That's just my two sense