No it doesn't.
Yes, make the code readable and understandable. And don't worry about fine tuning performance unless there is a demonstrated need.
However, as to using pointers versus arrays/indices, you've got it wrong (admittedly because Adak does too).
For some jobs, it is best to use arrays and indices. For others, it is better to use pointers. For some things, it doesn't matter which you choose.
The thing is, whichever approach you use, imagine how you would go about explaining your code to someone else - preferably someone else who has only a little knowledge about what pointers and arrays are.