First off, no true new players are likely to pass that tutorial. They finish the first page and stop. It's simply to difficult unless they have a lot of sailing genre game experience that uses similar control key set up.
Second, I think a contract system is actually a good idea. Though right now you can usually just announce in nation chat "I need a TK/WO Trinc and I'm paying 600k" and someone will respond. If you add in that your new to the game you probably get it for free.
Easiest way for new players to build money in goods trading. More that any other method. You can simply use a basic cutter to score a few trader brigs and starting cash. Cocoa, coffee, Cuban tobacco, black iron wood and historical artifacts are prime dollar goods that buy and sell all over the map. Start there and work your way up. The new guys I'm working with all made their first million gold in under two hours.