Cool. These types of things would be great to go to, but they are usually filled with tin hat types that don't have a clue as what exactly they are protesting. Don't forget to introduce yourself in the newbie forum.
Shouldn't make a ton of difference at speed if you are wearing a full face. If they are obnoxiously loud enough to interfere with the voice activated part in that situation then I don't think I have many nice things to say...
I'm not sure a tiered system would make difference at all here from a safety factor other than put more people on shitty American roads with shitty American drivers on under powered bikes.
I first learned on and rode cruisers/standards and my first sportbike was a 600rr. My wifes first bike is a Kawi 650r and it's no where near too much bike for a first time rider.