The levels dont mean much, because everyone has to play the game for a few hours in order to learn just a single perk to compete at the HOE level(regardless of level, or time to level.) I mean, your chances of getting into a group with 5 players who will carry you through to boss no problem, are much smaller than a group of a lvl 3 medic, 2 survivalists, and a smattering of other bozos who will sell everything you drop when you inevitably die.
BTW OP, skipping the levels and then thinking you will go straight to sui/HOE, with a much better chance at success, will probably give you a rude awakening.
