Great essay, seraphina! I remember watching the pilot and thinking: "Isn't it too fanfic-y for the audience? Could they get away with such a daring reinvention of classical myth?"
Time proved that Gough and Millar made the right decision. The dynamics of Clark\Lex relationship is the main thing that keeps the show interesting (at least, for me). Although I have to confess I never tried to delve into their relationship as deeply as you do. Thanks for great insights!