If there is no one downrange when he pulls out his unloaded gun, you have a rules issue, not a safety issue. If it's a new shooter, was he properly briefed? If not, why not?This is an easy placle for a newbie to misunderstand or make a mistake. I think it's a good idea to assign a partner/mentor to a new competitor, and I also think it's a good idea for the RO to keep close track of him to prevent such mistakes.
Those rules are there for our safety.
I agree with the points you make. It doesn't change the fact that a rule with the consequence of a DQ was broken.
I did it once while still being wet behind the ears. I misunderstood the stage description and thought I had to start at retention. So when the SO saw me draw my pistol, he told me I a very stern manner to holster it.
I didn't get a DQ. Should I have? No one was down range. That's makes it less of a safety issue right? Even if he had DQ'd me, I would have still remained to watch and return the following match.
If they get so bent out of shape for a DQ this early in the game, they aren't going to have a better attitude later either.