>2) A bigger project: connect the Academy to the Kobold Warrens
>via a one-way explorey-dungeony-type tunnel. Puzzles, hidden
>exits, cool low-level mobs to kill, maybe some hidden
>side-passages and some storyline. Maybe make this tunnel
>available once the leathers quest is completed. More super
>cool easily accessible low-level areas to explore = more quick
>hooks for new players (because first impressions should be
>good ones).

I'm not sure making random exits to other areas that you have no idea how to get back from is really going to help anyone, but adding more new-player stuff is always a good idea.