[gshulegaard]

I think you are confusing type of scoping (lexical/static, dynamic) with scoping levels.

Python has lexical scoping, but it does _not_ have block level scoping.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scope_(computer_science)#Block...

Which, now that I have done enough reading I think crystallizes the confusing thing for others being highlighted here (for me). Depending on preference, the lack of block scoping can be surprising for someone. Which also explains my bias, I started with Python which probably plays a large part in why I find function level scoping without block scoping ergonomic.