Gem,
I would politely differ with you.
I have flown on pitch dark overcast nights in the middle of southern pine forests doing confined area operations with no lights of any kind.....and had no problem.
Yes....some celestial light...stars...Moon....make it a whole lot better but even on the worst night for NVG's...it beat hell out of a good night with no NVG's!
Flying at night in snow without NVG's....without any real lighting...the snow was invisible....then click on the Landing Light and what an impressive sight that becomes!