External HDD arriving today, just in time to re-install
You should definitely play the beta as much as you can. It will give you a feel for the new stuff, how it plays out, and IMPROVED DZ mechanics (if that is your thing, if it isn't I can see anyone skipping it).
They capped levels at 7 last time didn't they? Or maybe progression just dragged at that point, but it isn't a "lot of progress" to regain really.