I've never made any modifications to kit 'pedals', but I know what you mean. I've looked at them too and thought that they could be improved alot. However, I've never been too concerned because they are so difficult to see when the final kit is done.
I think your idea of 'thinning things out' a bit is where I would start. They may get fragile and it might be easier just to start from scratch, but I guess we've got to learn somehow?
Murray
Murray