Mark
your right there is a reason we don't see the solution others see, it very simply comes down to experience as you have rightly pointed out (past scenarios allow the brain to make accurate intuitive decisions whilst under pressure). I did read a number of good books on how we make decisions, yes and can still make poor decisions at times. reviewing other routes is a sound idea it opens us up to possibilities
biting of more than can be chewed usually gives me a worse result than a more conservative approach.
so to put simply what looks like a good route at first glance probably is but you need to check it, but first glance may give 2 or 3 possible routes.
There are a multitude of pitfalls with intuitive decision making reviewing that decision , is how to confirm good or bad ideas