I definitely think "the gut" is an instinct that serves people well many times. While all the neurons in your brain can't quite come to a decision, there's another part of the brain yelling "do this" without without any analysis or prejudice. I think sometimes this is called "street smarts"

Unfortunately, too many people don't have a big enough brain to make any proper decision or it's lodged in their butt.

I have the book Emotional IQ by Daniel Goleman & in there he has a chapter on gut instinct. That has been important to me & I believe it with all my heart. The interesting story was about a very intelligent & independant man who underwent brain surgery & came out of it differently. To just see the man the changes would be unnoticable. I identified with that . This article talks about instinct in the gut or stomach. But there is also a part of the brain that deals with what is called "gut" instinct. This is a very interesting subject.

Your analysis is correct. My grandmother's voice remains in my memory, urging me to,"Go with your gut if you want to survive!". I have followed that advice for sixty years with out fail.

It is true that there are times the brain balks at the gut's decision and one must demonstrate a strength of will to go with the gut. While I have no evidence to offer, grandmother's advice is sound.