My recommendation is to go for it. You don't lose any of your equipment, experience or credits that you take in there, and the real experience gained far outweighs the little bit of DZ experience you will lose if and when you are killed.
Pick up some junk that others leave behind to practice extractions with, so that when the time comes and you have something you really want to keep you understand how an extraction works.
In DZ 1, Level 10 is perfectly adequate and you should be able to hold your own. Pick your battles, and plan any attacks carefully - cover points, routes, skill usage and weapon systems engagement points (ie when to use grenades, primary weapon, secondary weapon etc). if you run and gun you will be taken down quickly. For example, I was on my way to an extraction point last night and six cleaners level 11-12, were walking towards me. I hid behind a car on the footpath side while they strolled past down the middle of the road. I had a contingency planned, but I didn't want to engage them. Leave them for a time and pace of your choosing.
The experience you gain now will only stand you in good stead for the more difficult sections, and it helps with the non-DZ play as well.
Finally, plenty of people will also help you if you need it (although under the new patch it may be less).
Cheers
Can't do it 
) , i return to DZ.
