Well why restrict it to starting areas, why not simply start rp conversations or actions (ie a COURTEOUS BOW) wherever we find ourselves questing and it is safe to do so. I personally have received a number of questions about rp , simpoly by doing this.
Oh, I do. But you'll only ever get a 10% chance of an RP response.... Assuming you even see anyone!
Sticking in the starting areas gives a greater chance of meeting someone too. I wouldn't want to walk across Dragonblight, for example, in RP gear on the offchance I'll see somone. Would make for a lonely night.
A good imtroduction to newbies can be simply to bow to them and if it elicits a similar response to then lead into a rp conversation. Seems to work for me especcially on boats or where people are alone in Inns or handing in quests in newbie areas.