Lack of LCD illumination

I have one of the last '06 model Octavia vRS's.

I love the car but there is one thing that really annoys me. In most daylight conditions it is almost impossible to see the LCD display between the rev counter & speedo (I don't have Maxidot). Similarly, when reversing in poor light I cannot see the visual parking indication from the rear sensors on the Stream centre console. Why is it that the two LCDs for the dual-zone AC can get illuminated as soon you turn the ignition on, but not the other (much more useful) displays? It seems daft! And no, I don't want to turn my lights on just to illuminate these two displays.

Does anyone know if VAG-COM could change the settings and how I could go about getting it changed?

Be delighted if someone can shed some light on this silly oversight by messrs Skoda :confused: