I think everyone here is going to be "pro-stimulation" but I think that the question is worded wrong. I think it should be asking if you think that naturalistic enclosures are necessary to the health of an animal. I do not think that making a nice enclosure is absolutely needed but I still like to do so (more for my enjoyment than the animals though).
I'm pretty much with snakeguy and nc. I do think certain species are inappropriate for the really small enclosures/rack-style setups. Among snakes I've had some experience with, I wouldn't want to try keeping racers, or coachwhips, or indigos/cribos in that type of setting...and while I've seen retics kept in the large vision/neodesha type cages it's not something I'd want to do.
I guess my question would be, why would you want to keep them that way (other than pro/semipro breeder outfits that is. What's the fun in keeping a snake in a drawer? But then again we're talking 2 different things maybe...a small spartan enclosure vs. a large but "utilitarian" setup with a hide, climbing log, but newspaper substrate etc.
To be honest i can see why its done but you can keep your snake in say a smaler but mre conveinet setup like on the racks but you can try and keep it stimulating and naturalistic by say having a nice but still practical substrate, with a couple of hides, a water bowl, a batheing bowl, some plants for security and aesthetical reasons.
This is what ive tried to do with my boa as im keeping her in a really useful box and she will kept a larger vivarium as she grows but ive tried to make it natural for her enjoyment.
i think it depends on the type of snake. an especially active snake would require a larger enclosure for it's size, and vice versa. as long as it's healthy, it doesn't need to be huge
