Matt Miller of game informer said: " The new system should be friendlier to new players, but should also benefit veteran guardians who are eager to see their extensive play time met with commensurate progression and rewards. In my hands-on time, my existing level 34 guardians transitioned seamlessly into the new system, and leveling during subsequent story missions was smooth and engaging." So this seems to indicate if you were 34 will stay 34. The level gain may be a way offering players with only 1,2 characters to level one to TTK minimum level requirements (but that is just my speculations)