No, I don't think it is the "ideal", meaning the goal that one should strive for. I think there are some whom God gifts with both the desire and ability to remain single and devote themselves to ministry. But even as Jesus says, it is a hard thing. And to say that singleness is the "ideal" would make God a liar when He said "It is NOT GOOD for man to be alone."
OK. Good. We agree on at least one point: Clerical celibacy is not mandated in the Bible. We agree. This is therefore a Church requirement.
Celibacy is only an ideal condition for those unable to limit physical intimacy to the confines of Holy Matrimony.
Jesus and Paul have no issues with physical intimacy between a husband and a wife. No one in the Bible does. Physical intimacy between husband and wife is God’s gift and God’s plan for humanity. Celibacy is desirable only for those who cannot keep physical intimacy limited within Holy Matrimony. It is not an end to itself. If it were, mankind would have died out long ago and you and I would not be having this conversation.