She immediately goes toe to toe with Lionel and it's a shame that she didn't get to face off with both the Luthors more often.
I agree! Erica had the acting chops to go up against Michael and John and it's a pity we didn't get to see Lois go up against the Luthers more. (It's what I secretly wanted!)

Lois really is the heart of the Superman stories, regardless of how big of a player she is in the storyline. Smallville became so much better with her in it, and it's so clear by the examples you gave that she was Clark's north star.

Thanks for indulging me!