Guild Wars 2

painkiller.4738:

There were several different levels of Pre-purchase, and two of them came with 72 hours of pre-play time for slightly more money than the regular purchase price that came with 24 hours of pre-play time.

You recieved 72 hour Headstart when you pre-purchased the game.
And you had a 24 hour Headstart if you pre-ordered the game.
The overall price should be the same, no matter if pre-purchased, pre-ordered or bought after release.(Other than differences between retailers)

Could it be that the different levels of pay you’re thinking about are referring to the
Standard, Digital and Collectors Edition?

Could you elaborate how you paid more to access the headstart?
As far as I am aware you gained access to the 3 day headstart if you pre-purchased the game. The pre-purchase game price was/is apporximately the same as the price for the game now. (Though that can vary a little bit between different retailers.)