Not really. KF is very readable and that's one of the nicer things about it.
A lot of other forums out there have all sorts of unnecessary script overlays, weird shit that breaks if you are on mobile (or NOT on mobile, strangely), ads, shitty layouts, terrible colors, etc. When you have a place that feels more in touch with the 'golden' period of the internet you'll attract more people that appreciate that and they'll complain when it is turned to shit unexpectedly.
(plus autism, which is ALSO something that should be expected given the nature of the site)
In any case, doing it, not expecting the reaction, reversing it AND being (briefly) pissy about it was probably not the best play.