They've already said that Trials is returning-- and they haven't said if Y1 adherents will be excluded. They also said Elimination will return when Trials does. And there's no definitive answer yet if TTK will be required to play Banner, seeing how it hasn't returned for the month. However, while max level was not REQUIRED for them, it was essentially required to be successful, with level advantages turned on. And those same level advantages will be turned on for the new Trials and new Banner. I'm not sure how you're seriously asserting players at 170 light (max) will be able to hang with anyone at light 280-295. Your weapons will be popcap guns. That won't be fun for anyone. Those events are practically the definition of endgame content.