I think anything can be taken to unhealthy addiction level problems for a person. Unless you are breaking the law to obtain it, not meeting your other adult obligations, neglecting family/spouse,  etc , then people have not real business complaining about what you do with your time or money.

I also look at what other things do I choose to spend money on. Personally I don't buy clothes or shoes often, I don't buy makeup or get my hair and nails done. I don't go to the movies much. I think I really only spend money on video games and ponies. Even ponies I haven't spent much money on lately since my G3 collection is only missing super rare and a few repose ones.

I honestly think everyone has a collection of some sort. photos, cook wear sports equipment etc to support what they like or have interest in. Some people just don't understand hobbies and collections they deem to be unimportant or frivolous.

My giant G3 pony project artist blanks. They are really lovely in person and I LOVE how big they are.

Great ponies still available.
No reasonable offer refused.

Still wanting to sell these. Thanks!

More in the realm of prototypes and super rare. Or other uniques pieces of G3 stuff

It's also possible that the led light never worked from day one. 
I think you brought her back to really lovely shape and she looks amazing.

I think that in order to diagnose the issue you would have to pull a few seams on the dress. It might be worth buying one that is in bait condition to take appart and document before attempting anything on one is great condition like yours.

Honestly I think if i took one apart I would probably do a lighting upgrade and put in a bunch more lights in that dress. Maybe some tiny twinkly ones.

Anyway best of luck! if you decide to attempt a fix then you should document it for others. I would be curious to see it.

still looking for odd unique G3 ponies

I would be intersted in seeing the pictures as well