I agree with this.
Yes, Provinia (well, area around the Imperial City) is overcrowded, and starting
there as a new faction is not the easiest thing in the world..., BUT its not that
hard to get off Provinia if you want to.
Starting new players elsewhere would give them a large advantage that none of us
got and also change the nature of the game. A little hardship encourages teamwork :-)
To make things a little easier on new factions, a possibility would be to give
them more wood to claim on, maybe just enough to build a galley; or maybe allow
them to trade the free tower for a free roundship & crew ...
Joao