clock very dim and low contrast

do you mean your clock in the menubar? if yes, do you have the "do not disturb" icon in the menubar? i've noticed that while the icon is in my menubar, the clock appears normal.

but if it's not there, my clock appears very dim.

you're welcome. :)

and...

Ewan Lamont wrote:

(is Menubar the new name for Finder?).

no, the menubar (AKA Apple Menu) has been known as the menubar since as long as i've had a mac. that's been since OSX Snow Leopard back in 2009. the icon to open finder is on your dock.

click it and your finder opens. i have mine set to open with my home folder.

This is helpful. A more direct way to do the clock contrast would be preferable. Also, clear documentation would make this less annoying.