Well he is the main character for a reason, poor education doesn't mean he can't have intelligence, at least he can give some ideas and take the center stage occasionally. I have no doubt he will do sometimes big in future but it's pretty dull now .
He is intelligent. (numerous reference in the Ashley/MC dialogue)
He's facing a very steep learning curve, Remember he's only been in the City 5 days. (Not including Chapter 5)
I don't know what will happen at the party,
But from the dialogues, he's always learning things.
And that date with Elizabeth (Chapter 5) was Very interesting, and that before they when to her place.
Depending what TLG does with it !. some of us may need to change our underwear
Remember when the Prologue came out and "Fun" some of us had trying to get Valery's "PERFECT" score !