No, the levels are perfect. They are hnostalgic and allow you to complete the first half of the game without pulling your hair out. It's a whole lot better because you don't have to stop and train for hours and hours between Gym 8 and the E4.
Only that also means you could beat the first gym with a level 6 starter. if you're not careful, you'll be overtraining and making it easier on yourself. I like a challenge. I'd like to actually have a chance of losing to a Gym Leader instead of beating them and losing no HP whatsoever or something similar.