I would say that reality manifests itself for each of us equally. No matter whether we are enlightened or not, or what we believe or not. I think that the difference you point out is merely a matter of semantics--what you call "levels", I would call "facets" (and they are definitely real).

As for Saul, maybe he didn't invent his teaching and maybe it is hard to call it pharisaic. Then again, it's equally hard to overlook a certain personal spin he put on Gospels (even though they come in written form only after his letters) and also the fact that by c. 180 AD Orthodox Christianity was eerily similar to pharisaic messianism (which, you are correct, Saul didn't have to invent as it already existed even before Jesus).

Off topic--here's some food for thought ;)