I don't understand why you need to keep the meter switched on all the time unless you are doing some data logging, in which case a serial or GPIB would be required anyway?
I do a lot of quick measurements and I just don't want to switch it on every time I need it. Say, I need it just for 10s once in 10 minutes or so.
Also, the Keithley 2000's are notorious for "screen savers" anyway because without any input they just blast through every possible digit on the VFD due to the extremely high input impedance. It's part of their charm, if you will
It can just switch display off if no keys present last, say, 5 minutes.
May be I'm exaggerating the problem, but when my Keithley came it was dim and different segments had different brightness, which was annoying. I spent another ~100euro just for new display and it was quite pain in the ass to replace it. Now there is no replacement displays on the market. So, I'd like to preserve VFD as long as possible.