To ensure consistent segment current (and hence brightness) and to ensure the 7219 operates within specs, I'd cascade two 7219s and configure each for 8 digits. So each digit would have its own digit driver as intended. This means the code would have to send the data four times, e.g. if the score were 12 to 34, it would send 1234123412341234, but this is quite fast and really very little added complexity. No resistors (other than the Rset resistors) or other creativity required.
There are several MAX72xx libraries around, I'm not familiar with any of them really, but this one does support multiple cascaded devices: Arduino Playground - LedControl
BTW, absolute maximum ratings are to be avoided. The rated typical segment drive current is 40mA, but the minimum is 30mA, so that is what should be designed for.