You have it backwards. A badge on an icon is a passive indicator not a notification! When I look at my phone, I want to see if I have an unread message.
The Oreo model means I either have to have notifications (which are actual distractions) or I simply have no clue if something needs to be dealt with. For a device designed for communication, this is important. It's not a distraction, it's literally the reason I have the device.
The current trend is to do away with these distractions and allow people to focus.
What you're arguing for is the exact opposite. You're asking for the distraction. Persistent reminders that you are neglecting a particular App.