You had me going for a split second when you said you liked it. Then I thought. You are not at rock bottom yet. As the car ages and builds miles the lighting channels continue to deteriorate. Bulbs darken etc. You have a relatively low miles example.
I am sure of this as you can still see the instruments at night . Really though the concept as you mention is good.
I also tried reading the lumens with my meter. The meter had never failed me before. Even during a total eclipse.