Some airlines are selecting initial CRZ LVL pre-flight, and although this is not unsafe it is not the recommended method from Boeing.
Yes, Mikehotel152, it is my understanding that if a higher expected CRZ LVL is to be used later in flight then this should be set pre-flight, as per FCTM.
A large EU LoCo has the procedure to set initial CRZ LVL, many others do not...
The reason for Boeing to recommend the highest expected CRZ LVL to be set is to select the higher differential pressure PRE-flight rather then create the pressure change in-flight when selecting a CRZ LVL above FL370. The latter would cause cabin altitude to decrease, at a rate of approximately 1000'/min rather then the default descend rate of ~300'/min in normal descend, all while the aircraft is providing full CLM thrust attempting to reach the new selected CRZ LVL, until the cabin controller has achieved the cabin altitude it should be at during the climb and follow the pressure differential now (newly) selected until TOC.