Are we like the tax collector or the Pharisee

Luke 18:9-14
New King James Version
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men””extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be [a]humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Sometimes in prayer I feel like the tax collector

My understanding is: The Pharisee is here presented as someone who (for some reasons - possibly coupled with pride) simply has a mis-apprehension of true/esteemed virtue before God. The tax collector on the other hand (though comparatively more wicked) has a more accurate understanding about his state and has therefore prayed appropriately.

I however do not believe that God will be happy with someone who prays like the tax collector everyday - but must expect us to grow in our walk of Christian virtue. The great thing about a truly matured Christian is that he will not for one despise the wicked in a manner presented in the parable (Pharisee thus glorying in his achievements - with emulation) - but will instead glory only in that he knows God (seen through humility and not thinking of oneself more than is fit).

This reminds me about the woman caught in adultery, Jesus could not consent with her accusers simply because they were hypocritical, not that he was being lenient due circumstances - I see this because he did not say go on sinning since none is right. He still said go and sin no more! (of course he showed her mercy in the process)