I like the SA idea -- and there's nothing blah about it
Definitely need a pleco, and I encourage you to search beyond BN (although they would be a fine choice, too) and clowns. There are several smaller-sized Panaques (like my L-204) and Peckoltias (like L-134) to choose from -- or maybe even a nice Hypancistrus (like L-129, L-201, and L-260 just to name a couple)
I'm on board with others' support for the angel idea. I like 2-3 of those, a pleco, a pair of dwarf acaras, rams, or apistos, and maybe 5-6 cories. That sounds like a pretty sweet SA tank to me
If it were me and I was doing a "first time around" tank, I'd probably go:
3 Angels
6 Rummynose Tetras (but wait for the tank to be completely cycled -- and even then, maybe another month -- before adding these)
2 Bolivian Rams
5-6 Cories (your choice, though maybe 4 if you choose one of the larger species)
1 Pleco (again your choice, but I'd probably go with a bristlenose, an L-204, or an L-134 (if you could find one))