format before diff is in the top 5 of my most hated default.
As an author, I try to write short methods and adhere to a standard format (Kent Beck like).
But I want the freedom to use derogation when the format helps comprehension.
If I did the effort of using a special formatting, the last thing that I want is a "smart" tool that undo my work.
The best time to format code is when we accept it, and only if there is a quick way to undo/bypass if we don't like it.
The formatter is dumb.
Let's illustrate it with literals among other things.
I might want to write 16rBADA55, but I'm sure i never want to read 12245589, it makes no sense ;)