Comment by antiframe

I always assume I am in normal mode unless I am actively typing. If I stop to think I ESC. Then, when I gave thought, I know what I need to do next.

So for me there isn't really any time of looking at the screen and not knowing. And if there ever was some ambiguity I would reflexively hit ESC to get to a known state.

So, not sure it would bother me. But my editor does give me an indication of whether I am in normal, insert, visual, visual block, or Emacs mode.