I agree with Saul, string it the way L&H says to.

Gregg, I’ve not examined either Ana. But the same model harp need only specify that it “looks” the same: same angles, same neck, etc. And the strings lengths for a given pitch are the same (ideally) regardless of the diameter of the string. So, you can certainly change the stringing gauge, while tuning to the same pitches, without any problem of breaking strings, or having them too flabby sounding. (assuming we’re talking about identical string material in both cases)

They could, certainly, build the lever soundboard thinner, to let it be more resonant, since it doesn’t have to support as much tension. Whether they do or not is a different matter. Lever gauge will absolutely resonate a thicker soundboard–just not at as much volume, but probably not a huge difference. Both production cost and market segment they are aiming at would be part of what they are considering. Maybe they offer the lever option so that young children can still get a good pluck, and then change to pedal gauge as the student grows older and has stronger fingers and better technique.

I’m not saying they do any of that

— I have no idea — but it sounds like a reasonable approach for a harp marketed to beginning students looking to progress to pedal harp. (And that is exactly the way they describe that model on their website.)

Dusty strings has models that can be strung multiple ways. The soundboard thickness thing isn’t an absolute issue for working/not working — it is just getting an ideal “biggest” sound from a gauging — and I’ll bet that a soundboard that doesn’t ever break under warranty is much more important to a manufacturer’s interest than one that has the last few percent of the “biggest” sound possible.