No, it actually isn't misguided. It is unpopular because people don't like to be told they aren't that smart.

IQ tests only measure a very small, particular aspect of the brain - the ability to solve problems by applying logic. Math is the single biggest logical science we have. Nothing else is as logical as math. That is why it is used to measure IQ. The downfall is that in certain nations, and in certain areas, it isn't taught.

Intelligence is NOT affected by exogenous factors. It is 100% genetic. It is set at birth. You can educate people to use it, but you cannot make someone who is not born a genius a genius.

The fact that some people believe in non-existant gods, ban abortion, shoot woman and make them wear shitty clothing, become involved in eugenic, does not in any way, mean that heightened intelligence is a bad thing. It is 100% responsible for the many inventions that we have that have pushed us into a modern and technological civilisation.

Intelligence exists. Heightened intelligence exists. How we measure it may need to change, but to deny that when the world has immense problems, people with shit for brains can solve them has more to do with a personal bias than any sort of rational deduction. And that's exactly what you are saying when you insist that heightened intelligence isn't required.

Or is it that you are objecting to my phrase IQ (which everybody understands refers to intelligence)?