Existed as a man --> The Bible (not the poster Bible lol) shows us, that was his literal beginning, Man, 2nd Adam and Adam meaning Man. Prior he was as per Eph 3:9 hidden mystery, plan hidden IN God and through God's word, The Word, glory, that plan become manifest, clear and obvious.
So his achievements are far greater than what a said pre-existing Jesus would be. God is obviously proud of him, as a man, happy as Larry, you might say, over the Moon. So, if God's happy with that = monkey see monkey do = so am I
