When the editor is off smooth state renders normal.

If wireframe was added to smooth mode intentionally it's really hard to see the smoothness of the mesh. I prefer to look at the lighting on the mesh as as more of an accurate guide as to how smooth the surface is when sculpting and is easier on the eyes. I don't see much use for the smooth with wireframe mode but maybe it might be difficult to see at times when one area is behind another having the same flat tone? -maybe have both modes but sculpting with smooth itself is essential.. It's not common practice in Zbrush or other sculpting programs just sculpting with polyframe on, also this actually decreases performance.