This really does need to be addressed. Currently if you're a solo player, or even a small group (2-4), it's impossible to get started.
As others have said, PvP should be a feature, not an absolute. I'd like to have the chance to actually get established somewhere. As soon as you find an island, it's already completely claimed up, so you can't setup a home there unless you can defend a flag capture for 8 hours against a huge alliance.