OK I solved the issues with the new LG.... I went to my local Best Buy and bought a Samsung UN75JU7100FXZA !!! I had a few issues with the TV Setup routine, where it seemed to get caught in a loop of "Updating TV software, when complete TV will turn off and back on again automatically" This kept happening no matter how long I let it try. So a quick Google search and I found I needed to put the mini connect (The HDMI Input Extender) and go into the TV menu and do the Firm Ware update manually. That seemed to do the trick. I've not tweaked the picture settings yet so the photos are Movie right out of the box! I will be returning the LG this coming Sunday to the retail I got it from. Maybe a difference between Edge-Lit vs Back-Lit?
The bias lighting did appear to help the blacks on your LG, but your other solution does the job too. Black level looks really good on that new set. The best solution is the one that makes you the happiest. I figure you should be pretty happy with the performance on your replacement set. Enjoy.