thanks for the support and advice guys.
I thought about it for a few days before I ordered the parts, would it work, would it look tacky, how much extra would it costs etc. I've already got the material so there's not much extra cost there. it was just the screens and Rpi zeros really. totally get that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but since the control panel will have illuminated buttons I think this will work, much like having an illuminated trackball (or 3)
not to worry about creep or the project going off the rails. all the parts have already arrived all I need to do is cut the new cad parts out. which might take a day. but this build is pretty much ready for assembly. it's just a shame that all the wood is at my mate's workshop which is sooo far away. there's a public holiday in 2 weekends time. with a 4 day weekend I'm hoping to knock this out.
this is the last change, im pretty happy with the rest. the only other thing im looking at is the logo that's on the bezel. i want it to light up, just don't know how just yet. maybe some backlighting? don't know, for now, I've taken it out of the artwork and ill prob create an acrylic led sign the will go across the top like this
even if this doesn't happen I'm pretty happy with it overall so this logo thing is a low low priority change