I was never popular in school. I was completely miserable with my social life until I accepted being a part of the Outcasts in 9th grade. By my senior year I had made some real friends, and while I was still not at the popular table, I was happy.
It was just like GD said - when I got comfortable enough to be me, I became happy and was able to make real friendships.
On another tangent - the popular kids have peaked. Their forte is high school. After that's over, they won't be on top of the heap anymore. I am glad that my years of riding high came after high school.
I love your story because it shows - you can be whatever you want to be, Sean. And it's apparent that you are going to try whatever you think might work until you find the niche that makes you happy. That's good news.
Although if I continue to hear of you dumbing down your speech to make others happy, I'm going to ground you, young man. Being dumb to please others is never the right choice - as you've already discovered.