After thinking about it, this could work. Pathfinder 1e had Mythic rules, where mythic characters were just straight up better, but you only used Mythic rules for mythic campaigns. The Wrath of the Righteous campaign (and video game) feature this where we're imbued with godly power as a 2nd level spud. Its a lever for adjustment other than level.
Early editions of Shadowrun had this (and may still do) where you got an A, B, C, D, and E choice for species, stats, skills, money, and magical affinity. My memory is vague, but Elves were simply better than Dwarves, so cost a B. Full casting cost an A. So an Elf Mage used their A and B pick and thus would have less of something else vs an Orc Mage and even less than an Orc non-magical adept.
So it could work, just probably not with the current framework.