The real test would have been to use some software that the author uses frequently, and see if there's any decrease in speed when removing all the icons. I'm pretty sure, even when not pleasant, they work as heavy visual cues to find the item quicker.
Icons are also very useful if you're trying to use software in a language that you're learning, becoming the common language bridge.
Icons are also very useful if you're trying to use software in a language that you're learning, becoming the common language bridge.