Never think of burdening higher level players. If they think you'd be a burden then they'd tell you in character. Many times the higher levels are looking for something to do and helping the younger ones is right up our alley.
The reason there are few low level quests is because people tend to gain low levels quite rapidly, so there's rarely a group of level 1-8s on. With that said our GMs who were focussing on this area are on somewhat of a leave right now. But like Harlas said, if there's no level requirement, join in on the RP but listen to the group leader and stay safe.