How does it play before level 3?

If I overheard correctly you get to choose your subclass at level 3 now.

This sounds to me like the levels before that could be a little slow and not rewarding or fun. This may be an overstatement but even Wizards recommended to straight up start at level 3.

I like the slow start though and love to see my players "grow into" their characters.

How is your experience with levels 1 and 2?