and many advanced users accustomed themselves to it while working without GUI
Ah, the old HN anti-GUI bias again.
As for the eyestrain issue, I suspect people don't remember how bad CRT monitors were until near the end. Getting a consistent, bright white was difficult and very expensive. Horrible dot pitch meant bloom between very bright and dark colors. Color-related eyestrain just isn't the issue that it used to be.
Ah, the old HN anti-GUI bias again.
As for the eyestrain issue, I suspect people don't remember how bad CRT monitors were until near the end. Getting a consistent, bright white was difficult and very expensive. Horrible dot pitch meant bloom between very bright and dark colors. Color-related eyestrain just isn't the issue that it used to be.