What the hell is the purpose??? Let me just re-write this whole thing... Most Role Playing Games have a Progressive Leveling System. That is a System where, by gaining experience, a character can go from Level 1 to max Level with time an effort. Destiny is NOT a progressive system. In order to get to higher Levels above 20, you must rely on RNGsus to drop you Armor with greater Light. It is NOT based solely on time and effort... it is based on LUCK. Further, unlike a normal RPG that rewards you for new levels with something like additional skills, abilites, etc. Destiny just gives you a higher, golden, number. Ergo, there is no real incentive or reason to be higher Level other than to gloat to others that you are.