This approach of solving a problem by building a low-perplexity path towards the solution reminds me of Grothendieck's approach towards solving complex mathematical problems - you gradually build a theory which eventually makes the problem obvious.
what is striking to me is how far reasoning by analogy and generalization can get you. some of the deepest theorems are about relating disparate things by analogy.
https://ncatlab.org/nlab/show/The+Rising+Sea