This is "premature optimization is the root of all evil" applied to discussion, nicely phrased.
Thanks, I actually had to look up the phrase "premature optimization is the root of all evil". I'd never heard of it before, at least not as a quote.
Clever is indeed overrated. It is so tempting to be everything to everyone as you dread a thought that you might cut off some potential clients. Just suck it up and narrow your focus and get committed to it. Yes, you can pivot if needed but keep your focus narrow.
I think it's actually a lot harder to be clear than it is to be superficially clever. It means you really have to work to define your audience. Not an easy thing.