Ace Guy

You may be able to disable the guage cluster from knowing that the dash lights are on. What I would do is to remove cluster and then check the plug to see if any one wire reads 12v when the lights are on and nothing when they are off. Then I would cut that wire and check to see that everything worked OK, if not, reconnect the wire.
To remove cluster
Lower steering wheel
Pull off the guage surrond and left most vent (this whole piece from the door to the center stack is a snap on piece).
Then 4 X 7mm blots hold in the guages (need a socket)
One plug in the back with a slidy thing to unlock.
I haven't played with the wires, but with a continuity tester, you should be able to find the one that runs the instrument lights with the lights on. I have taken the cluster apart and do know that there are two sets of led's (white and green), so perhaps just cutting a wire would do it. If not, resolder the wire and you are out about one hours time. The cluster is really really easy to get out. To get to the lights themself, you need to take the cluster apart and remove the needles. I would just try the wire thing, or not