TMW has changed starting locations (and the way they're connected to the rest of the game) many many times. When it was too easy for new players to walk straight to Hurnscald people would complain that the town was full of noobs begging for items instead of playing through the game and getting their gear normally. However, whenever the starting area is too disconnected from everything else, the problem you're pointing out here arises.
I think that a skippable starting island is the best compromise. It lets the new players know that if it's their first experience in the game they shouldn't leave the area, but it still gives them the option. It also makes it easier for existing players to make new characters without being locked into a million starting quests. I think teleport needs to be used sparingly, but connecting the main social hub to the starting area with a teleporting NPC might be a good way to allow new players to visit the main town and still be able to return to their low level quests quickly. It also allows higher level players to quickly visit newbies and possibly help them out.