How often do you kick in MP?

Very unlikely. Usually only noobs kick. As it's too hard for them. I think it's good measure of the real player level when someone with 6k apex lvl 20 tries to kick lvl 10 from lobby. I never confirm that and almost always lvl 20 in the game is rubbish.

I would have no problem with two lvl 1 characters on gold if apex is good enough or they are infiltrators or something useful.

Been kicked few times from gold with lvl 5 or below. But that's their problem. I'm usually top scorer anyway - lvl isn't that important. Not using Vanq. either unless it's Strike mission with snipe boost.

Main point - more fun when it's harder.