I hear people talk about pre crisis Superman as if he was Mork but that sounds more like a pushback from later takes than its own reading.
Thinking about the battery idea from the mention of his drawing from the sun, I have to say that I'm indifferent because I like Action #300 and #786 about equally, as two typical stories of the difference. Sundipping is rare enough and the inherent flaw of having to run away balances it for me. There will always be a request to see a more powerful Superman, but I guess they haven't found a way yet besides just making him faster or stronger, even though his strength and speed are already incalculable .