just get some wide angle component leds w/resistors and wire them in. you might as well sense you have to take the whole thing apart anyway.
it shouldn't be that hard. eg. get 120º or 180º angle lights for the buttons and slider and a 360º for the blower speed knob. and if u flatten the dome top of the leds u'll get a way better light output to eliminate the whole hotspot issue.
heres a link for ya to show u what I mean:
http://www.nissanpacific.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=4029