Well, back when favor didn't work, and people kept losing it, I'd host games with no favor items. It seemed fair. But at this point, I think they are an integral part of the game, and the enjoyment thereof. it *sucks* that new players don't get to use them, and I think it makes sense for 'new player' games to turn them off. But I can respect that joining a game, and then finding out you aren't playing the full game, is annoying.
Though, I also agree that if you don't like the hosts settings enough, you should leave. I'll politely ask the host to change if he does something obnoxious (like starting at level 20) but if that is just the game they want to play, might as well leave.