Agreed on everything you said. Have Clark slowly develop his powers similar to Man of Steel movie, with flight last. And develop the characters slower but consistently. Just don't stay in Smallville with teen Clark for more than a season please, we already had a whole show about that lol.
And avoid the super villain of the day; have a main villain for the whole season that it's developed slowly. Season arcs.
And sure romance is fine, but don't overdo it. Show needs proper drama and suspense that uses all the characters well not just Lois and Clark. Use and develop Jimmy well like a real character, and Lex Luthor's personal and public life.