Crossword Genius

If I were blank I would be this! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clueless

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'if i were blank i would' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'this' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'this' could be 'clue' (the clue referring to itself!) and 'clue' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'less' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clueless that I've seen before include "Ignorant (informal)" , "Stupid (so unable to do crossword?)" , "Without any understanding" , "such a crossword can't be solved!" , "With no idea" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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