I think you're starting a level 1. Let's say you have a level 34 hunter, a level 30 Warlock and a level 24 Titan you haven't used since before TDB dropped. So now they're all 20? Well my Titan is seriously underpowered compared to my other 2 characters. Those first mission are going to be harder than hell. A level 24 Titan with some 242 base damage weapons, trying to do the same thing as a level 34 with 365 damage base weapons because we're both now level 20? That just doesn't work. I don't think you'll stay the same level because again, what if I forget to wear my best gear at launch. Now I am 32 even though I should be 34? I can see the WTF post already. It's a new XP system it makes more sense to reset everyone back to level 1. That way everyone starts on a level playing field.