Is there any research into less contrast being better? I keep trying to convince my boss that this is the case, but I can't find a study to back it up. My argument has always been that today's UIs are generally not using 100% contrast, so people set up their screen brightness to match that - when you then come with 100% black on white, it is too extreme on these same screen settings.

I would explain it in terms of paper. I have yet to meet someone who illuminates paper by shining a bright white light from behind it. Instead it is lit by daylight or reading lights, which are often a shade that makes the paper seem pleasantly off-white.

It follows that making your computer or web design a slight off-white is easier on the eyes, particularly in the case of a text-heavy design.

Much better, thanks to actual margins so the text isn't all pressed up against the side of the browser window reminding you what a bezel is.