But I think the idea that allows for bigger accounts with very little activity to lease out their RC might have been anticipated.

It has been anticipated but not implemented.. yet. :)

What does this mean for new users who are yet to invest?

I wrote a kind of follow up today that looks at a bit of this too.

https://steemit.com/future/@tarazkp/long-wave-riding-stabilizing-steem-though-rcs

However, new users won't need to invest to use but might want to to earn immediately.