Ok, if anyone is looking for the same thing I am, conboy really is a good alternative. You get an actual full screen mode and realtime auto backups (from what i understand, haven't had the pleasure yet). As far as maximizing screen real estate (without going blind), I found two good options:
1) zoom out all the way, in once, then set the text to small and bold
2) zoom out all the way, in once, then set the text to normal and bold
Serves my needs pretty well so far.