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Based on the following:
You can cast a spell at a lower caster level than normal, but the caster level you choose must be high enough for you to cast the spell in question, and all level-dependent features must be based on the same caster level.
Usually, a spell-like ability works just like the spell of that name. A spell-like ability has no verbal, somatic, or material component, nor does it require a focus. The user activates it mentally. Armor never affects a spell-like ability's use, even if the ability resembles an arcane spell with a somatic component.
A spell-like ability has a casting time of 1 standard action unless noted otherwise in the ability or spell description. In all other ways, a spell-like ability functions just like a spell.
Spell-like abilities are subject to spell resistance and dispel magic. They do not function in areas where magic is suppressed or negated. Spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled.
If a character class grants a spell-like ability that is not based on an actual spell, the ability's effective spell level is equal to the highest-level class spell the character can cast, and is cast at the class level the ability is granted.
Can a kineticist choose to use a kinetic blast as though they were of a lower level? That is, could a level 10 kineticist choose to fire a 1d6 + half con simple energy blast as though they were a level 1 kineticist?
Good question... I'd say yes (for purely practical reasons, like letting players pull their punches to capture a foe), but I'm interested to hear what others think.
My initial impression would be, "sure why not".
As a GM, I would first ask why? Once it was innocent enough, I wouldn't have any issue.
The grey area for me would be applying infusions that are too high a level over the chosen caster level. This would be due to the "and all level dependent features must be based on the same caster level" excerpt from spell casting at a lower level.
My first impression is that I would disallow any infusion that couldn't have been applied to the kinetic blast being used at the desired caster level in question.
As for exact rule interpretation debate, the "usually" part of spell-like abilities combined with the last sentence saying "if it isn't based on an actual spell, the effective spell level *is equal to*... and *is cast at the* ..." parts leave room for GM interpretation, in my opinion.
Generally though, if players want to do less damage with a spell, I wouldn't have an issue with it.
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The grey area for me would be applying infusions that are too high a level over the chosen caster level. This would be due to the "and all level dependent features must be based on the same caster level" excerpt from spell casting at a lower level.
My first impression is that I would disallow any infusion that couldn't have been applied to the kinetic blast being used at the desired caster level in question.
With this I would wholeheartedly agree. If you're using a level 2 infusion, you've got to throw a CL4 or higher blast, period.