I switched to 3 boxing and it is much easier going. I'm getting a lot less "that object is busy" when trying to interact with quest givers x3 rather than x6. 3 will also be cheaper if I decide to get the mithril edition after I come back from vacation. Another note to those starting mixed groups, although the elves + dwarves and the man + hobbit have the same introduction (first 7 levels), at the end of that you will have a solo instance and then each will end up in a race specific area. My 6 man group I made the mistake of having a mixture of hobbits and men and then had to burn my level 5 temporary mounts to get everyone together. For this three man group I'm just sticking with elves.

I just discovered that you can put NPCs on follow, making the annoying solo instance easier at level 7.