Thanks for the breakdown, and no need to send a pic. Like I've mentioned before, I hate board politics, but also dispise those who copy other people's work. You can't help it when it happens, but it happens (I've already been informed that my code has been ripped from at least one of my chips). Speaking of ...
You mentioned not being much into electronics, so this is just to clarify, the resistors and caps don't run sequences on displays. They have other uses.
My circuit DOES use a programmed micro. That's how you change from 2-stage to 3-stage version so easily. If someone has my circuit, all they have to do is swap one chip and it changes the characters.
Anyway, good luck.
Like I said, I saw links to my schematics, as well as other stuff I'd been hearing, all for a circuit only about $20 less than what I've had available for 2 years ... just tripped the radar. 
ATM
ShackMan