I'm not sure this is Apple's version of a dark mode. First and foremost, enabling smart invert disables true tone and night shift. So as with many things apple, you sacrifice something to get somethingCompletely agree. I think smart invert is exactly Apple’s version of dark mode....
A true Dark mode seems like the right feature to have considering OLED and it's inky blacks. It's not high on my wish list, but would be a welcomed choice.