Have things really changed that much?
Its ideal yes, But whenever I'm online, I've still seen people being very helpful..
And the amount of work you would have 2 put into the mentor thing would be huge ( Im not saying its a bad thing, but as for these mentors, would have 2 stop what they are doing and go too the new players ) So the amount of mentors needed would be really high.
I just think its silly, if you want more people on the server. Then maybe they shouldn't start out with being in badlands?

Thats just goofy, since they are first met with the pvp-part.. and lets face it, many players don't want pvp.. they just want 2 build
Anda didnt BossSMP, once under all the rule signs at spawn, have some signs with names on that the player could ask? like a tour guide?