Meter lights are fed from underhood fuse 32 (15A), through the combination light switch (Light switch on steering column) and not the 7.5A fuse. By removing this fuse, I think you force the car to run in "limp home" mode (anyone know?). This may explain your idle problems. Why the meter lights would go off is not clear?

Try pulling Fuse 32 and see if meter lights go off. Replace Fuse 39 (BackUp) fuse in underhood fuse box that powers the ECU.

good luck