I used to have an E16 and the problem with the led strips was well known to Fostex. I would periodically replace the ones that got to a point where they were not usable anymore. They would stop working at random areas on the strip top, bottom, middle ect.
I live close enough to Fostex so at the time I owned the machine I would go there an pick them up for about $15.00 a piece. I remeber talking to one of the service guys one time about and he said was not uncommon for them to go out and there was nothing wrong with the deck. (maybe a quirk in the design I don't know).
It was never a big deal other than the hassle replacing them and the $15.00
Regards,
TJ