Richard,
Like your 3 levels of consciousness, the concept of phaith is a conceptual tool. Some people find it useful, and others find it condescending and simplistic. My advice to you would be the same that I give to those folks who seem so passionate in there rejection of your level 3 concept; if the tool doesn't work for you, don't use it, but realize that other people will be using it. If you at least make an effort to understand what they mean by it you will be able to follow, if not participate, in their conversation.
I think the concept of phaith draws a useful and important distinction and points out that the religious feelings that people experience and value are not necessarily tied to the divisive dogmatism that has caused so much human suffering.
Richard Brodie wrote:
> I think it you polled 100 people who say faith is an important part of their
> lives, not all would say they had dogmatic insistence on the truth of any
> proposition.
Exactly. That's phaith.
-KMO