Thanks so much for the detailed feedback on each accessory. I really appreciate the time you took to break things down like this.
I agree that the Violetheart Pendant and Gilded Shift are a bit on the weaker side in their current state. I've actually been planning to give Violetheart a small buff. As for Gilded Shift, I'm holding off on changes for now, since its value will increase over time as more tools and footwear are added to the game.
The low light bonus from Sanguine Signet and Winterheart is intentional, since their effects are especially powerful in the Magma zone. Giving them more light would risk making other accessories obsolete in that region. Similarly, Alchemist's Pouch is meant to grow in usefulness as more consumables are introduced, much like Gilded Shift.
Regarding the overall trend of accessories being most useful in darkness, that's by design. The Occult Oddities shop only becomes available once players reach the Ice zone, where managing darkness becomes a much more central part of the gameplay. By then, early game accessories tend to lose relevance already, since players should be able to breeze through them.
Again, your observations are totally valid, and it's always helpful to hear this kind of thoughtful analysis. Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad you're enjoying the game overall!