This all depends on whether first gear is an actual first gear, or a climbing gear, like on the L300, which goes to only 20-30 km/h.

When the first gear of one of our L300 services broke before, my cousin didn't bother fixing it. Didn't need it at all... not even when going up a tollgate off-ramp.

I can start off in 2nd gear on the Crosswind without slipping the clutch.

But if there's no need to... just start in first.