My take on it, is that there indeed are three levels there:
Level 2
Level 1
and Level 0
But unlike Jon, I dont think its a problem that the recipient can "skip" the create holding rule. Think on how impossible it will become to transfer a holding, if the recipient has to create a lvl 0 himself, first.
If someone takes over a whole chain of guilds, fx through inheritance, or even have to try and create a lvl 0 holding i Ariya, where it is notoriously difficult to establish a presence.
So, I think the best solution could be that the Level 0 holding can be left to the giving party OR given up as part of the deal, AS AGREED BY THE PARTIES IN QUESTION.
For sure, in some cases the receiver is NOT going to accept that the giver remains as a lvl 0 holding, while in others, it will mean you can still trace fx a ley line through or grant influence support on certain common goals.