I'm having the same issues, I've got 4 characters active, it says I've got 8.
Moreover, it won't let me log into the game at all, telling me that
"This content ID handle already has 8 characters linked to it, want to see the handle list?".
I choose yes, it just shows me my handle, I unlink the 4 new characters from my handle, it updates. I return to the <play> - screen, press play, it updates the list again & states once more that I have "8 characters to my handle, want to see?". If I choose no it just leaves me on the <play> - screen.

Btw, a handle is your profile, friend list ++ You can link different character to different handles, nice to have when you let friends try out the game on your pc, them having their own handle gives them their own friendlist and so on~