you can see at first glance which variables are meant to be used within the scope you've just entered

Why do you need that information? If that variable isn't going to be used for another two screen lengths worth of code, it seems like a silly peice of information to know. It may even be a hindrence, because it adds noise at the beginning of the sub.

Lexicals should be declared within the most narrow scope possible. That's why we have them in the first place.