Lets talk about this...
Th highlighted text reinforces the false idea that skaljard is the starting place, despite it being mechanically more "challenging", and it structurally doing nothing to introduce newer players to the mechanics of the game we play, isolating newer players so they develop a a culture and set of practices which is not reflective of the way the game is played at large, thus providing an objectively poor introduction to the server.
This is problematic.
Additionally, saying Cordor is an ideal starting place for experienced roleplayers, does not reflect the fact that anyone can effectively and reliably start playing in Cordor. This means that there is now not the flow of newer players and lower levels through Cordor that traditionally kept the place dynamic and interesting, and easy to find level appropriate groups... Meaning those few who DO try to start there, are caught by a lack of people with whom they can group, and therefore struggle to level. This reinforces the idea that Skal is the starting location, by actively suppressing Cordor as being an option... It becomes a self-fulfilling piece of text.
You tell people it is only good for experienced players, so nobody goes there, which in turn makes levelling harder, and therefore "making an impact" becomes harder (or so it could be perceived by players struggling to find levels), so nobody bothers - and only experienced players cope well with it. By saying it, you make it true.
Solution: Remove all starting location recommendations from Arelith entry text, and simply give a description. There is no need to say what sort of player these places are suitable for.
Further problems: The damage has already been done, and these attitudes and options of places are already ingrained, and we're probably stuck with those attitudes being prevalent for the next couple of years.
Edit: proposed new entry door text:
Skaljard is a bitterly cold island where a beleaguered town is assailed by both monsters and the elements. Travel to and from Skaljard is challenging, and nearly impossible during the winter months as the surrounding seas freeze solid. This isolated place has no stable political system, and holds itself together only on the laws of survival.
Cordor is a sophicated, sprawling, walled metropolis. The largest city on the largest island of the archipelago, Cordor is a sizable centre of trade and culture, with an advanced political system. King Edward Cordor ostensibly rules the city state, but delegates day to day management and politics to an elected chancellor.
