Another steering column question

[07SSSC]

First what's the difference between the columns through the various years?

Secondly , has anyone put a led/other device in place of the fibre optic cable for the indicator, or is it best to leave it be?

Thirdly, I keep seeing original styl turn signal switch and then a newer style, am I correct to assume the difference is in the hazard button and wiring connector?

-And if anyone has pics of their columns painted a color other then black post 'em up. I'm still debating on whether to go black or almond to match the rest of my interior. The column is brown right now, came out of a highly optioned truck.

EDIT: What's the 2"-ish oval hole in the firewall for that is just to the driver's right of the steering column pass through? The 3 67-72 trucks we have all have a cover over the hole with 2 screws holding it on. Mine has been open long as I've had it.

Thanks