The likely cause is the driver inside the glass as you pointed out, but it could also be the PIC driver on there or the PEEL. Hard to say without seeing it and measuring it against other displays since I didn't design them.

The VFD is still available. Paul on the board has kindly done several orders for the BBS in the past. The price for them has gone up to $90 or so, so unless you are going to do the work yourself, this can get into thhe $160 range for the repair.

I've got a new full display with glass and all circuitry. Maybe we could do a swap? PM me for details.

Stu