Using the 'I think I know the devs feel' this looks so not Reaper though, but I am openminded.
DS, your way of describing surely must make more universal sense for many that Is having issues, and that is what I think you are trying to do, cool.
Reaper have had the power of routing for a long time and now Bitwig comes and get instant cool routing medals because it is more obvious and easy'ness and, that bothers me very much, the principle of it I mean, nothing against Bitwig or Reaper, just making a point or, attempting.

Please everyone without irritating another might be an artform though.

If I manage to confuse then simply, I am on your side and Reapers for any universal improvement generally.

Please continue and things could evolve into something when you least expect it.
Version2b:
You know when you use the FX button, so you see the FX list and menus and stuff.
Showing info There is maby an idea, pushing the info closer to the user into obviousness.
Pins or wires, or text what ever one can come up with, color code, symbols, pictures.

I am also only thinking about FX routing, not the track routing, ps.

I'll leave the mockups up to DS should something inspire.
Bonus Ps: Also, what is possible using JS and the Reaper nerds knowledge is beyond me, nothing would suprise me if something is possible already or, soon.