That is the exact look some of my friends gave me after seeing this site...
Great ideas. Getting new people to customize their feed immediately would be a great way to ensure they see at least one or two things that interest them.
Flagging peoples posts is not the way to do it. A filter checklist for the default sub that blocks nsfw, steem*, rape, and politics by default would work better.
Flagging is the built in system for depreciating content. It is not just 'the way' to do it but the only way to do it. If the developers had something else in mind they should have offered it, or they should offer it.
Go throw a few downvotes around for stuff that is simply miscategorized by new users then. You'll find out why it's not a good idea pretty quick.
Its not mis-categorization I have an issue with. its shitposting and using your considerable marketing clout and steem power with a group of like minded malefactors to ensure your shit posting is profitable at the expense of good content.
I don't think I've downed a new user. There is a clear distinction between people trying to use the site and people gaming the technology.