Reducing current draw on using CMOS logic gates

MarkT:
Well its likely to stress the output devices - limit the current with a resistor - these days 2mA can be
very bright with high-efficiency LEDs.

i see, okay - i will go with that Best Practice then, thanks for that - will have to stock up on more resistors then...

MarkT:
You must have adequate decoupling, I think this has been mentioned.

for the logic ICs, you mean ?

yes, i've since added them to the circuit.