Site Hub: Make the View Site link always visible

[afercia]

Description

In the Site Editor, at the top of the navigation panel, the 'site hub' shows a View Site link only when the site hub itself is hovered or the link is focused. Screenshot:

While I do realize the intent to make the site hub 'cleaner', I'm not sure hiding an important functionality is ideal. To me, the only effect is that this link is less discoverable.

• If this link is important enough, it should always be visible. If it's not important, it should be removed.
• 'cleanliness' of the UI is a subjective perception that should never have priority on functionality.
• On mobile there is no hover state, and users rarely use keyboards connected to a mobile device so this link is basically not available to mobile devices.
• It's (almost?) a unique case in the whole editor UI where an interactive control is only revealed on hover / focus. As such, it's inconsistent and provides an unexpected interaction.

Step-by-step reproduction instructions

• Go to the Site Editor.
• Hover your pointing device on the top part of the navigation panel.
• Observe the View Site link becomes visible.
• Move your pointing device away from the top part of the navigation panel.
• Observe the View Site link is now hidden.
• Use the keyboard to navigate the UI by pressing the Tab key.
• Observe the View Site link becomes visible on focus.
• Tab away from the View Site link.
• Observe the View Site link is now hidden.

Screenshots, screen recording, code snippet

No response

Environment info

No response

Please confirm that you have searched existing issues in the repo.

Yes

Please confirm that you have tested with all plugins deactivated except Gutenberg.

Yes

[afercia]

Adding the accessibility label, as the cognitive load an unexpected interaction are an accessibility issue IMHO.

[carolinan]

I agree with this assessment.
There are additional comments from members of the accessibility team on the original pull request:
#50420 (comment)