I wouldn’t say “most” versions play Clark as a chump, though Christopher Reeves is clearly playing up the “mild-mannered” schtick quite a bit in arguably the most well known depiction in the last 50 years.

Most versions play Clark as competent, they just don’t bother to really dig into Clark as the crack reporter, because that’s Lois’ primary thing, so they give her that screentime.

The most recent animated show, My Adventures With Superman, actually does a good job of making Clark the reporter an integral part of the story.