And this attitude isn't just manifest in Clark's relationship with Lois! Let's not forget that LOIS was the only one to fight to find out that Superman (and therefore, Clark) was not responsible for the heat wave in The Man of Steel Bars. Clark was all ready to give up, giving off MAJOR "what's the point?" vibes the whole episode
Tell me about it! that's one of the examples I had but forgot to put in my original post. I'm currently attempting a re-write of Man of Steel Bars because of that very thing! A more pro-active/assertive Clark Kent will be showing up in that one, believe me!
