OK;
Replaced the resistors and can see a big improvement.
Measured current of one segment and it reads 23ma, am just going to have to live with it.
The DP's actually look about the same brightness, so am going to say "I'm happy".
And, I think that will wind this problem up and I can finally move on.
If they mess up down the road I certainly know how to deal with them now.
Thank you so much Mr Gibbs, I've learned a great deal, you've solved my headache.
I wish there were more I could do to show my appreciation......
Take care,
Oxbo