Admin note: Split off of this topic (http://www.thecbg.org/index.php/topic,210407.msg232964.html#new)
Given the above preferences, have you ever tried GMing using the Cypher System? I ask both out of general curiosity, but also specific to ipsative comparisons to 5e (akin to the prior debated comparisons with 3.xe/4e/FATE/OSR/PF).
My own experience with 5e is limited to a handful of character level 1-3 games as a player. I've never played higher levels with 5e (and personally don't know anyone who has, despite asking around, though I'm sure they exist in spades). I've never GM'd 5e at any level of play.
I have not used the Cypher system - although if it's similar to the one you used for the CE Play by Post I did create a character and do a bit of playing using it - but I'd be interested in trying. I seem to recall the Pool/Effort system being a bit difficult to grasp at first but eventually becoming pretty easy in practice.
Reading a bit more about it, I like the idea of one-off abilities ("cyphers") a lot.
Based on what you've said you like/dislike about other settings (particularly 5e), I'd recommend it -and I'd specifically recommend reading the Cypher System book rather than the Numenera one(s) since the former is setting agnostic (or more precisely highlights how the system can be applied to manifold settings).
I agree that Grit/Effort is a clunky mechanic (something I'm trying to fix/replace in my game, as is Monte for his Invisible Sun product). Edges are to a lesser extent (but really only in how they interact with Grit/Effort). Otherwise, the rules are really easy to learn and use (both as a GM and player) -particularly in tabletop/IRC games rather than the more time-dilated PbP.
And yes, cyphers (or whatever term you wish to use) are really fun in play and have been really appropriate for CE (and would be for Hex I'd wager) where technology/magic are prevalent and/or misunderstood.