Why are new Tags not treated like first posts from a new user or suggested edits, but a bit more stringent?
My thought:
If a new tag is created, why does it not go to the review bin for voting by high rep users who can determine their worth on that particular SE site. Say it would take 10 (or more) votes for it to become active. A note to the new tag author would be something like "Thank you for your suggestion of the new tag, it will be placed in front of a panel of SU (or what ever SE site) peers for review if it will be adding value to all members." or something like that.
There it sits until 10 (or whatever number seems correct) deem it having value. Someone at that point should have filled the defanition of the tag as well.
This way, a monthy burning may be less taxing if the things never got past first base to begin with.
Just an idea.