...how is it ugly in SQL? Don't SELECT those columns. Or, if you need to do multiple things with the dataset sans those columns, use a CTE of a query that doesn't SELECT those columns. Or a view.

It seems like SQL is only uglier if you're used to "SELECT *"ing, which is asking for trouble--in SQL or when doing the equivalent with other row/column data manipulation tools.

Just don't pick them in the first place?

Though I'll grant you that extremely wide data is a lengthy experience to write SQL for.