They have been optimized away. Grids, blocks, straight lines, clear boundaries, maintenance space, standardized signage, standardized safety and accessibility,

They have been optimized away. Grids, blocks, straight lines, clear boundaries, maintenance space, standardized signage, standardized safety and accessibility, standardized everything... these are all things which reduce TCO. Non-standard, interesting, niche, characterful, bespoke, artisan, historic... these all carry hidden costs that manifest in property prices or taxes or inefficiency. Everyone admires the aesthetics of the latter type of cities but not so many are willing to pay the price for them.