just to clarify few of these changes, although I’m not the qualified person to talk about it.
1- the new UI goal #1 is to be cross platform so windows and mac users get a unified user experience.
2- some of the visual clutter is being worked by mcneel and it is going to be enhanced if not resolved (don’t quote me since I don’t work for mcneel)
Rhino 8 UI - Gears can be visually obtrusive - Serengeti (Rhino 8 BETA) - McNeel Forum
Regression: Hide Container Grip Dots When Docked - Serengeti (Rhino 8 BETA) - McNeel Forum
RUI files and UI setup issues - Serengeti (Rhino 8 BETA) - McNeel Forum