I created another character to test what I got from the disk upgrade. For the second character I got everything but the bunch of weapons. Loadouts, key capacity, inventory, all there. Also I have the option now to create a third character, so character slots also are available. Of course the 500 bits was a one time deal

(no, I did not expect to get more

)
I'm guessing the code that came with the disk included a lockbox of some sort, a really low grade one. As my second character got no other gear, but only the volter shotgun that was part of the limited edition package.
Still, what was that talk about earlier in this thread, that game owners would get a grant for 1000 arkforge? I saw nothing about that anywhere. Not that I'm complaining, I'm happy with what I got. Just wondering

.
I wish I could activate more limited edition codes for one account. The supermarket still has around ~20 copies of the game for 3.95€ each. For 500 bits each, that would be a money saver...