You guys that are planning to run most or all of the season wouldn't be too disadvantaged much by starting in your expected class. Remember that only 4 events from Novice can transfer over to your actual class, so I'd plan on being there at event 5 anyway.
After 4 full days you should have a much better handle on what's going on, but even a full year in novice probably won't quite get you up with the leaders of your particular class. Rememvber, they're getting a full season better by the end of the year too.
