> Yeah, I don't want to be uncharitable, but I've noticed that a lot of stem fields make heavy use of esoteric language and syntax, and I suspect they do so as a means of gatekeeping.

I think you're confusing "I don't understand this" with "the man is keeping me down".

All fields develop specialized language and syntax because a) they handle specialized topics and words help communicate these specialized concepts in a concise and clear way, b) syntax is problem-specific for the same reason.

See for example tensor notation, or how some cultures have many specialized terms to refer to things like snow while communicating nuances.

> "wow, this could be written a LOT more simply"

That's fine. A big part of research is to digest findings. I mean, we still see things like novel proofs for the Pythagoras theorem. If you can express things clearer, why aren't you?