Ok, so I did some final testing. So, ALL of the TE ore blocks (the ones you make, not oregen) are spawn proof. I've known that for a while. I looked through the list of "blocks" which was not extensive (NEI on blocks durr) and tried a few and they seem to be the only ones (in this pack at least) that mobs can't spawn on. Decided on ferrous since it's closest to dust colored and I usually have oodles of it in extra and since it's only good use is for invar making which you only need so much of, I figure that's my target. Current size of area is approximately 5000 blocks for just perimeter. 5000 * 9 = 45000 ferrous ingots. ouch. wellllll, not trying to be realistic here so I figured I'd try it. did a //replace 250 4194:2 or whatever, for all of the perimeter only along with those light sources already in.
1) those black areas seemed to stop appearing. If you had gone from one corner of perimeter to other opposite corner, black areas would appear and yellow lines in it but get close, they disappear. Now? Just gone.
2) no mob spawns. not scientific but I gave it the same amount of time (2 mc nights) to test and yeah, nothing spawned within area.
So, I need to grind up all my ores and multiply like crazy if I want that many blocks, but I guess I can just aim for all the blocks and use whatever's extra (like a patch work quilt) but oh jeez, such a pita if torches work the same. I would try the glowstone nook thing but too manual. Might as well use torches for that matter (tho I see how they would be better).
What I created tho, is horrifying.
I'm in a desert
It's all gaudy
Lots of lights that hurt your eyes
post apocolyptic world and my favorite rpg comes to mind...
I've created las vegas after the bombs fell :} call me mr. house and get me my damn vicodin.
Covers don't work btw, unless you put in lower position like slabs. which you could also do I guess, but then have everything in half position. Ok, that changes alot too, so maybe that's a more realistic target. hrrrmmm 5000 slabs == 5000 / 3 = 1666 blocks / 4 = 416 pieces of wood. hmmm much more reasonable I guess but not so las vegas, more reno nevada.... *sigh* I can't math.
I did learn one cheaty way to get mobs to leave you alone. Build a platform above ship or wherever, piller up 4-5 blocks, build another. connect with elevators, repeat till you get to about 120 or so Y level. they all disappear. Also makes good hang glider starting point to sail to city in fashion.