Over + Out, i've been cleared for a level higher than the SID on an initial clearance, maybe you don't but some places clearly do.
So far from conversations with various controllers there does not appear to be a clear understanding of what is expected. I've had "yes you should adhere to all stepped climb limits only climbing to the higher level on completion of the SID" and "no, you can climb straight to the higher level while following the lateral path of the SID"
I'd like to know which is correct but i'm not sure anyone really knows!
In the meantime if it happens again, i'll ask the question prior to getting airborne.