Yeah, my bad for playing a big part in derailing the hell out of that thread.
I think the leading by example thing is more appropriate for Superman once he increases in power. Otherwise he becomes a tyrant, and when he's older and wiser he should know that.
The problem is, and this is a general problem throughout the DCU, is Status Quo is God. He leads by example, but nothing changes, so he looks more ineffectual than he really should. The narrative should ideally have him begin as the Golden Age/New 52 guy who arrives on the scene and captures everyone's attention, and heralds the arrival of the age of superheroes. Once the necessary initial "holy shit, this changes everything" shake up takes place, Superman can reign himself in more as he grows stronger and the world begins to change itself following his lead. But mainstream superhero comics cannot have that narrative or follow it through to completion. It's the same reason why Peter Parker's life always sucks, Batman can't clean up Gotham no matter how many years or allies come and go, and the Amazons are never going to re-join our world in a cultural exchange that doesn't have the re-set button slammed on it.
Yeah defining one as classic seems short sighted. if anything, Golden age, Silver/Bronze and post-Crisis are all classics in their own way. If we have to call out just one, it would probably be the very original, but I think a mixture of all iconic elements is closer to the truth.
I agree that Morrison has the best arc for Superman. Golden age transitioning to Silver age is perfect. All Star and New 52 are clearly the same guy to me (costumes aside), so I just don't see the disconnect there.
Yeah I mostly just want Superman to be able to have this arc, and to never quite lose his edge. And I just don't see it in a lot of the post-Crisis era or currently since the New 52 origin was pretty much dumped. He can be multiple things, and I think he more often than not just leans more towards the all powerful dad figure who leads by example but isn't allowed to be anything else or else it offends people. Or create lasting changes.
I think it may depend on the type or journalist and where in the world they are. Lois has certainly never been characterized as anyone who wants to protect the status quo, I don't know where you're getting that from.