In general, I think the better approach with vector maps (on OpenStreetMap) is to have
a. one base map that only shows the common things you’d expect on any map and then
b. have special overlays for various data that are shown on top of that base map and highlight the given data, e.g. metro and public transport network, bicycle infrastructure, max speeds, hiking routes, building types / 3d buildings, power infrastructure, POIs (shops etc.), …
Point b could be implemented by pre-crafted overpass queries with coloring applied or additional vector layer sources.
This approach has several benefits:
-
maintainers of the then-official openstreetmap vector map style are not under pressure to perform the balancing act between creating a style that shows as much as possible to demo to the world the detailedness of OpenStreetMap data and a style that is actually clear, not overfraught with details, to end users. This produced a fair bit of contention in the past with osm carto
-
The default OpenStreetMap map will look better (clearer, less busy) for normies
-
If the overlays-button is not too hidden and overlays are still pretty and linkable, normies can still use and enjoy the OpenStreetMap detail by using these
-
OpenStreetMap contributors will have an easy to reach tools on the website website to view, analyse and maybe debug aspects of the map data that is currently not even visible on osm carto (see examples in point b)