This post from Prov Nov, Jason Chahin in another thread got me thinking of a minor change that could see a decent return.
Interesting thought. Could work. Not everyone has that mindset, which I say because I didn't. I started in Round 1 of 2011 as PN, entering 5 races. I was out to win from the first green flag; I didn't. I also didn't crash. Did the same at Round 2, TWS. I did crash but kept going full bore. After the 3rd round, ECR, I completed my requirements.
The only real reason to be so cautious as a PN is to get rid of the struggle of putting on and removing the yellow shirt (and maybe the reduced air flow)! Perhaps we could make the shirts more like tank tops or "rider coach" reflective jerseys. I think it safer to have new racers wearing something as a warning to other riders. If the intent is to play it safe and merely, technically satisfy requirements, seems more dangerous for everyone once that shirt is off. If the PN jerseys were easier to deal with, perhaps more new riders would continue to wear them even after they've attained their Novice license.