I dont really think their music is very clever at all, I do like it though (some of it very much) and do find it interesting, but there are other electronic music acts who aren't in the same position as Daft Punk, and it isn't because of a lack of great tunes.
I do think the music caught on because it was as you mention good enough to grab attention. But I dont think that is the reason for their greater commercial successes. They are very good, but they are equaled by plenty of other artists musically who are nowhere near as famous.