I was not reacting to the suggestion to use the search function, the part I took exception to was this part:

being repeated for the umpteenth time makes for some testy replies.
I'm sure I will ask some questions that have already been asked and answered, but seeing the confusing results that the search function gives that may be inevitable.

Why would someone presume that a new person will act badly, just because someone else in the past may have. You might never have noticed the many people who simply joined and acted perfectly appropriately.

I worry whenever a welcome message contains warning that unapproved behavior will have negative consequences.

I think the idea of a Newbie post someone else posted is an excellent idea, as a FAQ would be.