I suspect that the programmer in question became enamored with his solution and did not consider whether or not it was warranted. This seems to be one of the hallmarks of clever code. The programmer spends much time and effort because he's found a cool new technique or because he's impressed with his solution.

I guess for me, the difference between clever code and code that uses advanced techniques is very much whether or not the problem requires the extra complexity.

I suspect that the programmer in question became enamored with his solution and did not consider whether or not it was warranted

Exactly. Focused on his solution, no thoughts or foresight about anything else. This is what I said that you seemed to contradict.

I guess I'm not being clear enough. I was trying (and failing, obviously) to distinguish between a naive implementation that did not consider future expansion (the N^3 algorithm I mentioned at the bottom) and an overly-complex solution that did not meet current needs.

To some extent, I guess they are points on an implementation spectrum caused by the same problem...focusing solely on the solution, not the problem.

Thanks for helping me clarify this in my own mind.

G. Wade