OK, That is what I was thinking as well. A splice is not that messy. After doing a whole board there is a surprising amount of rosin on the board, making it sticky so I figured I would clean that. Thinking that got me to wondering if there was a long term corrosion problem or something with leaving it, hence my question.
Just a diode and resistor, you do not use a rectifier?
As for the button push, when I dig out the christmas village I will look more carefully at the button. At that point I will post a question to see what can be done.
Thanks a bunch BTW
I am really enjoying learning about all of this.