I was also Popplio from the get-go. Like you, I once dreaded the possibility of a clown-based evolution but over time I felt that after seeing the concept art leak I knew there was a better direction, and that was the majestic being that is the siren.
It's those reveals alone that Popplio's already threatening to overtake Oshawott as my fave starter of all-time, and probably my mascot Pokemon as well.