I used to work at a blockbuster (aging myself I know), and a dude would come in from time to time and rent old SUPERMAN toons. He'd always tell me how awesome Superman is, and being me, I'd talk with him about it. He'd say "he's the best cause he never gives up".
I saw that same man the other day. I was on the inner-state and he was on the side asking for money. It's hard to see someone you know (even just vaguely) that down and out. Real sad. Anyway, I thought about this guy. What he'd say about what SUPERMAN meant to him- and for me that's what's the character is all about.
I'm merely posting this since I've noticed so many threads lately about "post crisis superman"/"pre crisis superman"/my version is better kinda topics and I think it's arguing semantics. A true streamlined Superman is what's needed and not some version from yesteryear. To think of a flying man who never gives up, and what that means to a man so down on his luck. The idea of a fictional character that can provide such hope to a real meat person. That's the Man of Steel.
What say ya'all?