the issue is that these effects make the game run like crap on some computers, not that they are distracting
Edit: n u m b e r s
Typical FPS is <10. If these effects were off, at least 15-30, depending on current location in scene.
HW: Intel i7-3820QM x8 @2.70 GHz, turbos to 3.48 GHz
nVidia Quadro K2000M with 2 GB VRAM, VFRAM usage with game is 0.9 GB, so VRAM is not the issue
32 GB RAM
Changing GFX settings in the game doesn't have anny effect, as the only issue are the effects. Runs the exact same on lowest settings at 1080p as with them all the way up and at defaults.