Leveling up to access new content isn't something new and it's a good thing. It's not a watered down system like HoW's insta max but in a week if play you should be able to bring a character up if you do the quests.
1. Ikora quest line pays out a 300 Special Wrapon
2. Eris Court of Oryx quest pays a 300 Artifact
3. You can use Marks for a 280 Ghost at the Vanguard
4. Xur will sell 280 Light pieces for everyone, as well as Engrams which randomly decrypt at a guaranteed 290 Light - these are fantastic for infusing your Legendary gear
There's no rush to Raid. It will be run many times a week, by many groups, every week for the foreseeable future. Just take it easy and play at your own pace.