I have an idea and am interested in hearing others' thoughts on this.
Instead of outright nuking pages that are still incomplete after, say, 24 hours, I can go in and change the page to a custom object and tell the owner to keep it that way until finished. When it's done, the owner can change it back or resubmit it. If the owner changes it back before it's done, I nuke the page.
One advantage is that this may help avoid alienating new members who want to contribute but don't yet understand how the system works. Other advantages: reduced clutter in the content areas, and no junk bumping completed pages off the What's New lists.
The disadvantage is that it will take much more time and effort on my part than it does just to delete a page.
I still think the best approach is for members to approach the newer ones with help and advice, but a lot of established members seem to have given up on that.
Thoughts?