OK. So I got frustrated pulling icicle light bulbs and decided to cut and splice. It works great. But then there are all these light bulbs in the cut out strand, so I started scavenging them. What I found was interesting. The last 2 lights on the dangle seemed more corroded than any others. I think water follows the wiring and eventually finds its way into these lowest sockets. So from now on I will check those bulbs first. Also, removing the bulbs got easier using a jack knife to gently pry them out of the sockets. I saved one strand by going to the last lit bulb and trying each unlit light in that socket until I found the corroded/non working bulb. Wether you cut and spice or pull bulbs, it is going to take time so name your poison and go for it.