UST affect on unplugged sound

[ShinyBeast]

This is a perennial and controversial topic on the amplification subforum, but I wanted to see if any luthiers have an opinion on this question. Do USTs affect unplugged sound? If it depends on the pickup, which ones have the least effect? Does it depend on the material of the pickup and/or how thin it is? Also interested in any other thoughts from luthiers about USTs. Thanks.