Hi, Welcome to forum.
The level I think you are referring to is displayed above your head in public rooms.
It used to give players an idea of your game experience and would improve on shop purchases.
The higher the number, usually meant an experienced player, with a number of nice rooms, poses and clothes.
Obviously this would also improve your game play as new and old players would seek people out with higher levels.
This will now change as it appears you can buy Level boosters. Personally that is just an ego boost… seriously.. spend your A$ on poses, your profile, rooms and clothes.. Your level will go up anyway then and your game experience will be much improved!
Zus is right – New York Meeting Place only allows people in who have attained Level 10 upwards.
Joining Forum also has a Level 8 plus restriction.
I suspect in the future, more restrictions will be bought in on certain things.
Just enjoy the game and let your level rise, or fall on its own!