I want to build a lamp using 4-pin LEDs to be run off of earth batteries or a gravity generator. Could I use a pin retention contact as a method of having easy bulb replacement? Would the circuit fail if one bulb blew, or risk burning out the others?
You could. But given the normal life span of LEDs, I don't see the need.
Your power sources, however, are be somewhat suspect. To avoid unexpected LED failures, you might consider appropriate power control circuitry for the LEDs (and/or more conventional power sources).
My main interest is in alternative energy sources such as earth/saltwater batteries, gravity generators and TEGs. The lights is a toy and fruit of the labor you could say. I don't know much about power control circuitry but I'll get to google-ing it. Any advice on devices or terms to read up on?