I think that what he meant is that beside whispering a friend (that you knew outside of PokeMMO), you have nothing to trade a that point, not enough cash to buy interesting thing & you know pretty much no one.
But it's forgetting two things. The only way to know new people is to talk to them with global or channel chat (or whispers but when u don't know the person, meh). Also it could be a good idea for new player to have access to chat in case they need help (gym infos, pokemon location etc..). Yes there is plenty of guide out there but it might be useful.