> Surely there are more optimal ways of doing stuff. Odds are that there is a Taylorist approach that would pull more productivity out of me. But much like my typing speed (~50WPM) isn't really the limiting factor in my programming skill, screen real estate isn't a big factor in getting stuff done for me.

Your work habits suggest the best "Taylorist" improvement might just be to let you roam. Seems to be working best.

> I could never have done that when I was in an office. I couldn't take 20 min and play banjo or accordion and come back to my problem with a fresh eye.

I've seen music/game rooms at good companies. If a company can't set aside some space for breaks, that's a red flag.