I'm not sure how to do all of that, but the bit about reducing the dynamic range resonates. I think syntax highlighting should exist to highlight three categories of syntax:
a) comments. What is never run?
b) literals. What is just plain data?
c) punctuation -- mostly so it can be deemphasized.
a) comments. What is never run?
b) literals. What is just plain data?
c) punctuation -- mostly so it can be deemphasized.
Sample of my minimalist 'scheme': http://imgur.com/NrrS9.png