Jay--
the gravel/sand idea sounds like an engineering paradigm applied to what is properly the domain of biology. I don't have experience with true clay soil as such, but the silt loam on my site is quite heavy and easily compacted. I'd concur on organic matter, though I'd tend to apply much of it to the surface rather than till it in. If you are going to till, possible supplements you might consider include porous aggregate (vermiculite is good), charcoal, and gypsum (you didn't mention your pH) as it aggregates clay particles creating good tilth. No matter what, I would top it off with a nice heavy mulch of whatever is available. I'm fond of a layer of leaves and grass clippings covered with 4" or o of wood chips. Get the biology going and let it do the heavy lifting. I have several rows of raspberries growing in 4-6" of soil over ledge and they produce well after being mulched heavily.
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