Mino: Thank you for your reply. In regards to my question 3, the red LEDs show which button is selected still light, but the actual red and blue graphics to the buttons do not - thing is that I am not sure if they ever did. But, according to the posts of others on this board - they are supposed to.

So I am thinking that there are probably two parts to the lighting of the buttons - a traditional bulb for the graphics and an LED for the signal. Thank you for your helpful message - the ease of removing the exterior light switch is a relief! Best, JD.