Yup, +1 all the way around. It's fine to 'dumb down' and also really good to learn and expand your range with new patterns. And doing your 'own thing' can get close to 'my own interpretation' which can also be a good thing.

But note that some/many songs are instantly recognizable because of their strum pattern, e.g., Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl, the Eagles' Best of My Love, America's Sister Golden Hair (a song lesson here on GT) and Presley's His Latest Flame (or any other song with that 'Bo Diddley' beat ;) ). IMO, some songs demand their particular strum pattern...they ain't right any other way. :).