I found some good threads related to this issue:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=882693
http://www.casemodgod.com/ccfl_inverter_rant.htm
I am really leery about extending any CCFL now.
I found this place that has an LED alternative to Cathode Tubes: http://www.agilight.com/products.php
I have some product on order, and will update the site with my results.
The only con I see so far is that I will still need a UV light for all the UV reactive components in my case.