Gauge cluster questions - covered bulbs, oil

[Damien8086]

Hi,

I am in the middle of trying to replace my AC center vent grille and have removed the glove box and gauge cluster in order to try and ease what has turned out to be a real PITA job.

Since my gauge cluster is already out I figured I would paint the needles which need a new coat pretty bad and also change the bulbs because my dash has always seemed very dark during the night. I noticed a couple of odd things after I pulled out the gauge cluster though.

1. Some of the gauge cluster bulbs have cardboard canister-like covers over them - why? Could this be why my gauges seem so dark at night?
2. There was a small amount of oil at the bottom of the gauge cluster housing near the oil pressure gauge - is this a sign of an issue?

Thanks for any help