Hue lights borderline unusable with SkyConnect vs Hue Bridge...did I make a mistake?

They’re percentages and higher means more use.

The fact that they’re all quite high suggests interference from somewhere - normally there are distinct highs and lows. This will affect ZHA and Z2M.

Have you got your SkyConnect on an extension lead? The one in the box isn’t really long enough - I have mine on a 2m lead. Also, make sure it’s plugged into a USB 2.0 port - USB 3.0 ports (the blue ones) cause a lot of trouble. A USB 3.0 lead is OK - they have better shielding.

Lots of good advice here:

Edit: 56 router devices is very good!