[2021] Would it be good if POIs told you to come back later?

I would say probably not... Just the mere fact that a player COULD crack open that steel block shell from level 1 with a crappy stone axe means that, undoubtedly, many people would do so as the reward for doing so would likely far exceed the time expenditure of doing it. And then they'd complain on the forum moaning about how long it takes to break in.

Never underestimate the perseverance and stubbornness of a player.