That's what it looks like if you only look at the formula. (And why I'd say that formulas are not an "objectively simple way of expressing something*)
If you can somehow keep in mind what the formula is supposed to represent, the operations on characters will let you find some insight about that thing and will stop standing only for itself.
The point is that the term "simple" is inherently subjective - there are plenty of concepts that are simple and intuitive once learned, but are hard to learn.
Also, mathematical formulas are essentially a different language. If people don't speak it, then it's a moot point.
That's what it looks like if you only look at the formula. (And why I'd say that formulas are not an "objectively simple way of expressing something*)
If you can somehow keep in mind what the formula is supposed to represent, the operations on characters will let you find some insight about that thing and will stop standing only for itself.