Devil's advocate: Some people want to be thrown into some action rather than mining helium for hours. perhaps it is wrong to 'protect' new players in a sheltered system. Additionally, some new players get the impression that helium mining is the best and dont leave for a while until they get bored. why not place players on their toes than getting them too comfortable?
Additionally, Gallia is a good place to start I would say. Players that are vets should treat others well anyway, so lets not have that as an excuse.
Gallia is out of the way system and needs some love, but if people start populating it then it will bring people to start making some groups and then evolving.
Again, the atmosphere is great and not boring like Pennsylvania. great views, great bases. Why not?