That's a pretty interesting post. I'd never heard of the Pulfrich Effect.
For myself, I prefer an "off-white" theme, with a light parchment background. The old Xcode "Sunset" theme used to be my go-to. They have removed that, now, so I modified the Classic (Light) theme to have a parchment background, and that does me fine.
I find it kind of amusing how much some folks use choices of editor/theme as a "value judgment" on our skillset.
People do what's comfortable, and what helps them to work more efficiently. In some cases, it's all CLI, in a spartan black and white screen, for others, it's Romper Room GUI. Whatever helps us to work more effectively. Even if it's a "placebo effect," if it helps me to be more productive, it helps me to be more productive.
There's a number of singers that perform barefoot, and are highly skilled (Google "Rhiannon Giddens" I saw a video where she sang at the White House, and wore a really long dress). Basquiat would often paint in Armani suits (and barefoot).
Every now and then, I'll try something new. I'll usually give it several days, before making a decision. Sometimes, I adopt it.
It took me months to become effective at a standing desk. It was an issue of health, for me, so I powered through all the awkwardness.
