When analyzing whether selection favors an allele that allocates indiscriminately, should the initial frequency of the allele be considered?
I have not read the paper but here is my guess and a hint


  Is it a typo?


Yes, I think so


  In a situation in which altruism is not directed toward any particular individual(s) but is rather allocated to the whole population, doesn't r depend upon the frequency of the allele that is engaging in the altruism?


Yes


  f it is a new mutation and there is no other allele in the population to receive the benefit, then r=0. If the allele has gained fixation, r=1 and selection is much more likely to favor the altruism.


If the allele that is causing altruism has reached fixation, then there is no more selection as there is no genetic variance in the population.