when I do RI I also do not see my creations as a continues presence. The only thing I see is either a quick glimpse after which it is hidden from me, other times I see a very very ghostly creation but not completely only parts I focus on. For me it is the same with past objects, it is like I am invalidating myself because of not seeing the past object/scene with my eyes, also very short or ghostly impressions.
I have same perceptions, very quick glipmse visio. I think I am black case.
Q: Is it true that once you are on level 3 you will actually be able to see (and even be able to hear) past scenes?
In my case - answer is NO

Do you have an e-meter?
Dennis has created a test with e-meter to check lvl 3 completeion.
upd: But I'm not sure on what level I am now. Lvl2 doesnt work now, Lvl3 too, but I cant pass the e-meter test, so I think I made some mistakes.