I like the tutorial but it's too bad it causes you to by-pass your home newbie grounds. I think they are a valuable learning tool as well as giving your character some feeling of being connected to the world of Norrath.
I have a Erudite Wiz, she gets back to Erudin occasionally for tribute and some researching. My Frog Paly still mourns the loss of her birthswamp. My Human Ranger, at level 48, still pretty much lives in Surefall when she's not out battling evil.
Maybe in one of these expansions SOE ought to add something that will reconnect characters to their homes. I suspect the tribute NPC's were put in hometowns for that purpose but it just isn't enough.....the unique cities of Norrath and it's moon are all ghosttowns.