It's 20 years later and I've made my career off of pointing out fundamental mistakes made by very smart people. ;) (just with more skill and tact)

90% of what I do is ask dumb questions as if I'm completely clueless.

I know the feeling. I'm similar in that regard. Debugging complex things by asking dumb questions is extremely fruitful.

Also asking dumb questions to newer engs teaches them to think different aspects of a problem themselves.

One of the things I'm hoping I could keep alive in my child