8 pin DIP w/6 outputs ?

[dhouston]

I figure (?) you're talking about tip 2 I/O multiplexing ? That may just work for my application. I'll take a close look at it now, it however means redesigning my PCB and changing the code.

And wouldn't it leave 2 outputs to spare, GPIO.4 and .5 ?

Yes, I meant Tip 2. It was past my bedtime - I meant to say it would leave an input pn free plus two input/output pins.