Its not as visible with illumination as the SM1 is, mainly because so much of the SM1 is illuminated. For me, I rarely remember to turn the illumination on, but that's likely not how most people run the optic. I have astigmatism, so even illumination in etched reticles can appear fuzzy and I don't have an issue finding the center of a crosshair reticle at cqb distances. It may not pop like a donut would, but I am definitely not searching for it.
I am very happy with the 1x performance, but I take it for what it is. No LPVO will ever be an Aimpoint or an EOTech when it comes to speed regardless of what anyone would have you believe. Its performance at midrange and distance is very impressive. I have had mine to 800y with a 13.7" 5.56 carbine with no issues whatsoever.