I always use 16bit to get rid of the stepping. You are right though, the displays in the Star Trek world don't really stand up to close scrutiny, maybe because for the most they are only used as slightly out of focus background eye candy.
Yes, there is a huge fanbase out there and one could easily make a living from making and selling such items on Ebay.... and people will pay silly money for them. For example, a tricorder with 85 running light displays and authentic sound, recently went for over $1,000 last month at Ebay.... but if one has the time, can construct one for around $300... but there you go.