I have several friends well over 1000 light today (Wednesday) with most of them with their BASE level around 997-1000. You will NOT be competitive at 960-995 BASE light level basically. So I suggest either leveling to at least 1000 base level, or sitting out week one until you can catch up. Remember to ignore your artifact, but do not lose sight of the fact that there are people that are very close are already playing in the "pinnacle only" zone to out level you.