https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_UNIX-HATERS_Handbook
https://web.archive.org/web/20201120053257/http://www.simson...
And a description of the screen spanning ruler app (or rather "Desk Accessory") that the Mac had around 1987 or so (I specifically remember Hugh showing it to me a few months before Black Monday).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desk_accessory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Monday_(1987)
Just like the article you apparently didn't read mentioned:
>With my new knowledge, I also wrote an onscreen ruler using the shape extension. Somewhat tautological for measuring the two inch circle, but in the event anyone asks, I can now tell them my terminal line height is 1/8”, and yes, I measured.
https://humungus.tedunangst.com/r/xtoys/v/tip/f/ruler.c
Now 38 years later, is there a ruler app for X-Windows that can span multiple screens yet? Or Wayland, even? Why don't you write one!
Apparently you have to be criticizing X11 for more than three decades now. Since you seem to know your stuff, could you please post a link to your git repository containing your personal display server that solves all the problems?