Friend I do get where your coming from but, the kicker has to be are your friends worth more to you than a few levels on a character?
As your the experienced player you will level that new character faster than they and can help them making newbie mistakes.
I was in a similar situation a few months back and it was hard letting got my old toon and discovered world but the new one with new friends has been worth it.
but I appreciate your mileage may vary :)