Hi,
>> OK, I use a couple of themes that happen to have a shadowy background for the fringe, but I could live with
>> anything that makes this _conceptual_ difference visible.
> I don't think I agree with this concept. For example, the stuff
> usually written into the display margins is also separate from the
> buffer text, but we still use the same 'default' face there.
Wouldn't it be nice if Emacs made this conceptual difference clear by default. We can start with the line numbers and then continue with other stuff. I have started this because I got a couple PRs accepted by some theme editors who valued the concept, not just the visuals of it.
BTW, no bad feelings here, but what is the real reason behind changing the modeline face to variable pitch? I have tested master recently and the feeling was really strange.
(at least) I would like a conceptually sound Emacs and highlighting buffer vs. 'the rest' looks like a basic principle to me.
But again, why not giving it a try as we have with the (IMvvHO weird) font for the modeline and bow to reactions of the community?
Best, /PA