The one caveat about hiding the visibility of the bracket is it may increase the likelihood that you'd accidentally backspace and delete it, so if you need it bookmarked, you might want to get used to seeing it. Ditto if you use fields; I opt in Advanced Settings to always show the gray on-screen (it doesn't print) so that I know it's a field and not to try to edit it.

I'm confident you'll grow to accept the ribbon. I still miss all my customized toolbars in old Excel, but just a little. Word, not so much. I've definitely been where you are - but given time and the QAT (I keep mine below the ribbon btw, makes more sense to me), you'll get there.

Best,

Ann