Know what you mean - put myself in the slow/inter group the week before for similar reasons. I'm still trying to get comfortable with Paddock again after coming off there a couple of months ago.
You were probably right to be cautious of Clearways - the night before there was an off there in nearly every session - it was not very grippy probably the heat.
Your lines through Surtees and the entry to Clearways looked good - couldn't see much after that.
Whatever the pipes - your bike sounds different to all the other 7s and 9s I've heard out there - a bit louder and more agressive - v. nice!
Maybe TA5 - depending on work - would be good.
Best
C