But that, in itself, is a philosophy, no?
It’s just that it’s your philosophy.
Using Expressions, shown or hidden, to trigger keyswitches is a perfectly logical process; it may seem arcane if that is not the way one is used to–but it can grow on you if you let it.
An option that you are free to use has no impact on you if you do not want to use it while not offering a choice has an impact on those who wished that choice.
I think in the example you replied to I simply selected those notes, and changed the opacity in Properties/Common/Color/Alpha Channel. Is that what you mean?
In addition to creating empty noteheads, you can suppress playback (in the Properties panel). That combination may be the best way to get what you desire.