Thanks for the response, guys. I would like to reiterate that I'm aware nobody knows at the moment and the "why" behind starting in beta phase or how it works. I haven't seen discussion on it so I figured I would initiate the topic. Given this is the only established Red Dead forum I have found (besides the GTA forums).
Personally I'm leaning more towards the idea of it NOT being reset, and as Kean points out "there isn't going to be anyone sitting on the sidelines during the beta who will be at a disadvantage when final launches. With that in mind, there is no reason to start anyone over for that reason". This is very true and Is likely the case.