I know I don't have much experience with MD yet, but for what it's worth, I think this is a fantastic Idea.
Reason: A LOT of people go through New York City every day, but that doesn't mean that I, a man who has never been there, would be able to find my way around any faster. However, If I was FROM that region and I am one of the people that traverse the streets every day, I WILL be able to find my way around quicker; Not because of the volume of people there with me, but because of my long term stay there and my familiarity of the land as a result.