That makes sense as a personal preference for him, but it's odd for that to still be the company/project stance. Like, surely he knows he's the minority for not wanting highlighting?
Apart from the fact that your comment is against the rules: please don't trivialize that quote. It has a profound meaning, and is completely out of place here.
There is a thread linked where we literally see gophers express the belief that they do not like syntax highlighting, and mock those who do - because Great Leader - born in 1956 - does not like syntax highlighting. Its called double think.