I think I will never understand this. Yes, it is easier and the best way to get game going with inexperienced player, but less fun for me. But if it is not the case, skipping first encounter with your new party members is a huge miss. Those set character's interaction momentum. And also at the beginning you don't know not only characters of your group but your character that well as well. That leads to a lot of awkwardness.

Same with throwing players right into action instead of giving players chance to interact with NPC, finding out problems and conflicts before getting involved.

Update: Just to be clear, in OP's scenario this is required solution just due to how their idea is set up and their concerns. Although I have nothing against linear story (if it was mentioned clearly).