Another comparison. Lucid mode.
Lucid modes comp.jpg
So changing Lucid mode settings affects image quality. So if it was my drivers problem or something, then all other images were as ugly as the first one (with lucid mode off). The compromise is to use Lucid mode on with minimum settings (the bottom left image) but still it has a little sharp.
P.S. Updated to newest Opera 106.0.4998.41. So many updates already and this problem is still here
P.P.S. I tried clear Opera USB installation to new folder (no extensions, etc). The problem is there too.
I came up with an update. Apparently Microsoft Edge has the same sidebar, the apps that you put there have normal icons, they are not centered, they look good and there is a much greater variety of apps.
The adblock extension works fine even for youtube so I will be moving on to that one.
@burnout426 Darn, I was afraid that would be the case. Looks like I'll just have to retain the old pop3 account in a disabled state in case I need to access any of the old messages. Thanks for the quick response.