After having read up on our resources as well again, you are correct and as such your criticism, new roleplayers couldn’t start their project when they are most motivated to do so, is valid.
Frankly from experience I would also say, that rule is not necessarily enforced and it doesn’t need to be since usually players don’t want to roleplay, but are hindered through an activity check, instead they apply for a plot and then never come back to the rp, even if the application is processed quite quickly.
I agree with you, one should probably discuss to change that rule, so we don’t have (normally) 8 weeks a year, where we couldn’t adopt new roleplayers into our Pacifica canon. Since we are currently once again looking for ways to promote the rp more, I’m sure the discussion can be held in somewhat due time.