Just to help make this thread more productive (maybe, just how my brain is working now)
There are some mixed concepts happening your post.
Mussel broth is never clear in my experience. However, clear and gritty are not the same thing.
Adding corn meal is supposed to help bivalves purge sand in their stomachs. I don’t find it works.
You can try scrubbing the exterior of mussels/clams to help get rid of some grit. It just won’t get rid of gut grit.
Letting broth sit for a minute or two usually helps most grit settle out of the broth. Just be sure to not pour out the last bit of broth.
People avoiding broth - how are you serving them? With what?
Straight muscle broth I don’t typically “drink” (spoon whatever) when served with mussels.
Broth finished with herbs and butter or cream (typically I steam in some wine) I do sop up with crusty bread.
