As discussed in No user PM access this thread/vote is intended to encourage a change to the default settings to allow TL0 users the ability to PM moderators if needed.
It may well serve to keep new users from becoming frustrated as they're unlikely to understand why they can not perform such a simple task and it is assumed the moderators job to help direct new users.
A simple core setting is pictured, "allow new users to PM moderators" as preset to allow but toggle off if not desired.
Discuss this on our forum.