I should have been more clear - I am trying it, and do have anecdotal evidence that it is good. I don't mean consciously distracted - having a cluttered real-world desk can be a subconscious drag on productivity, and so can a cluttered screen. This is just a way to help reduce visual clutter. Different stokes for different folks, though. This might not matter for you.

Directness of speech is a good thing. I wouldn't worry about being "harsh" in a place that values it like HN does.