I suck at sketching etc. Hope this explains. Yes you are correct, the glow from your CP buttons should light up that area nicely without it being too bold of a statement...Plus you can control how much light is coming through by experimenting with the mesh inserts ($2.00 - $3.00 for a set)....
With the neon sticks your stuck with whatever light its gonna emit. With your j-sticks, buttons etc all lit up, you might not want too much more bold lighting in the front.
Plus your using lighting thats already there, no extra modifying or cables to run......
I attached Robert Downey's arcade odyssey control panel pic (awesome cab), but look at all that wasted pretty lighting.....
That is what gave me the idea.....
I used a 3" hole saw to make my holes, my CP is in pieces right now, so I can't show you an example. I did a test last night and kind of clamped the thing together and fired up the fans, I had a faint glow through the holes. I know when I get my nova gems it will be super bright in that area. If not I will play around with different size mesh holes until I get it right.
And offer still stands on those rings.......PM me if your still interested.....