In regard to the site mentioned in post #1:

Just to let you know I found the value of the current limiting resistors for the LEDs to be important. Set incorrectly they'd give me ghosting.

You also have to repeatedly set the TRISIO and the GPIO to get the specific LED or LEDs you want lit. Usually once wasn't good enough.

If you're in need of more than 20mA per pin I successfully used opto-isolators instead of the LEDs. I don't remember the specific part number but I think I posted that link somewhere. If needed I'll find it and reference it here.

I'd also suggest you put a switch in the ICSP clock and data lines to isolate the PIC for programming. It will save you alot of time and effort.

As always good luck and please post program here when finished.