Read my post below first, otherwise this doent make sense.
Im somewhere between level 2 and 4 depending on the skill set. here's my self assessment:
I have some technique flaws that Joe pointed them out to me recently. I know my stroke wasnt perfect, but didnt necessarily know what I was doing wrong. Now, Im correcting them, but still have to think about correct form so Im a level 2 or 3.
Bow paddling I think Im level 3 or 4. I do most of it without thinking but still get burned every now and then so Im certainly not a solid 4, but getting closer
Stern paddling Im a level 2.5 or 3. I can do it competently most of the time but if I stop thinking about it in a race, my stroke, course, technique, timing, or power suffers.
Bracing Im a pretty solid level 4. This is in large part to paddling solo a lot in a J200 race boat. If you're not ready to brace without thinking about it you do a lot of swimming during turns, so this engrained a fairly automatic reflex in me.
Solo paddling Im somewhere between level 2 and 3. I can do most of it pretty well, but I still think a fair amount about where I need to be, how to fight or ride a wave and things like that. Its becoming unconscious in calm conditions, but when you get in a busy situation like a race start I still have to think a lot about what I need to be doing.
So thats my deal. Feel free to post your own insights if you want to!