New to Mini-Steps. Question about level 5

[theblitz]

I just started to play the mini-steps and have managed to climb from level 1 to level 5.
Made it to level 1 and then 2 immediately. I then yo-yo-ed back and forth between levels 2 and 4.

Finally I have made it to level 5!

Anyway, at the lower levels there is a lot of safety play at early stages. Players want to be sure they at least finish in the "try again" range if they can. Playing tight early on seems to be the way.
(Of course, there is much room for someone who is willing to do some pushing around.)

This all changes at level 5 where there is no safety net.

Should my play still be as tight in the early stages or should I play a little looser?
Should the play be the same as in a normal S&G where the payout is only for the top 3 places?