Sort of? The aesthetics are almost certainly driven by other factors, including what phonemes are used. Is why "ya'll" is a word in the south. It isn't like we didn't know how to say "you all" or other similar words. Aesthetically, contracting those into a single word was more pleasant for many people.
So, my argument is that you are looking at the words and distinguishing the singular/plural aspect as driving why we say certain things. I'm saying that you can use a phoneme argument for why "there is a zero mark" sounds correct and meaningful, whereas "there is zero marking on this ruler" starts to stretch it.
That is, allow me to rephrase my assertion. Rather than saying there is an aesthetic argument, I'm asserting that the phonemes involved are a larger driver than is given credit. Often with grammar rules backfilled to solidify choices.
So, my argument is that you are looking at the words and distinguishing the singular/plural aspect as driving why we say certain things. I'm saying that you can use a phoneme argument for why "there is a zero mark" sounds correct and meaningful, whereas "there is zero marking on this ruler" starts to stretch it.
That is, allow me to rephrase my assertion. Rather than saying there is an aesthetic argument, I'm asserting that the phonemes involved are a larger driver than is given credit. Often with grammar rules backfilled to solidify choices.