a) If you don't want to use it - don't, as you see no one is making you. You can still do quests AND get better prizes. Yay for you.
b) You forgot healer.
c) Yes, there are people who disagree such NPC should exist, yet there are many who thinks "why shouldn't it?". I think giving NPC should satisfy both ways, you get to do all the quests you want and get additional prizes from it, newbies get to make their first char faster to pour into HeRO community. Everybody wins \o/
God i have too many characters. Just call me Bisu and let's end this -_-
Want to help HeRO? Feeling you're full of ideas that people will adore? Don't just stand there! Join HeRO T&D Crew!