Just wanted to add an inkling... Given Lois' issues with men, what if Lois found out about Clark's powers after they'd been together for a while and then they couldn't work out their differences, causing a split. They could still share parenting duties up to the point of the pilot, but they don't get back together.
Swapping time taking care of their son, Clark could still travel the world a bit, doing freelance, while Lois gets on at the Planet along the same timeline as in the show. Tougher as a single parent, but if anyone can do it, it's Lois.
This way, Lois is still pretty much a free agent when she catches Lex's eye. It could also explain her animosity towards Clark when he first shows up at the Planet and a different reason for her not to want him as her partner.
BJ
