One thing that maybe keep new people from trying nords is the out lap. Most don't know but in R3E you can pass the barriers at the end of the GP track and start a valid lap right away, no need to run the full nords to start a flying lap.
It depends on the event, but this is used in real life too. No need to risk the car in an slow outer lap just for show.
For qualifying they do use that "short lap" so the time starts counting on the out lap. I also think they allow it's use if there's something wrong with the car before entering Nords itself. No one wants a slow car for 20kms+ on an narrow track with those gt3 flying by