Ok question about the pre-release thing.

I just got my copy logged in... and my beta characters (including the one I levled a bit) are still there.

I cant find any info on the main website and was linked here.

Will the characters stay through release or do I need to make a new toon?

my bad turns out the characters were only level 20 till I logged them in ehhe

I am pretty sure the answer is no. I do think you get to keep the name.