Definitely not Cortez. The system is not suited for new players.
I do not think, that jump holes to all houses are needed or desired, place where they would be would feel terribly ooRP and not immersive, reminding those portals to everywhere on fun WoW servers. After all, we have /restart available for those who want to start in particular house or faction. We just need to promote it a bit more. [Tutorial items and in-game messages.]
But for the new players it is probably best to start in one place, meet other starting players as they have one thing in common, which motivates interaction and cooperation. And of course being in the trade hub helps too.
I think Pennsylvania is the best place for new players to start, as it is right in the middle of the map. It just needs some changes:
Pennsylvania:
* Add a JH to Texas in G4.
* Make a trade lane from Texas JH to California JH.
* Move the Kansas JH to E6 near planet Hallam and connect it to Erie with trade lane.
* Add an atmospheric entry to Erie.
* If possible, add missions, that reward items. For example Low Armor upgrades, Scanners, items with tutorials and hints.
Erie inside atmosphere:
* Make it a starting point.
* Add few tutorial bases and missions to introduce the basics of fighting, trading, mining and RP, as well as neighboring systems.
Kansas:
* Add some base with missions to promote Copper mining. Along with everything you need to get bonuses. This will serve as an advanced mining tutorial.
Texas:
* Remove California JH, or move it far away from its current position. Maybe to C7 or A8.
* Add a JH to Pennsylvania in D4 and connect it to Houston by trade lane.
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