I am seeing this a lot on the 407 these days. I too blame the automatic illuminating gauge pods. Had it in my RX-8 and have it on my Subie and it has almost caused me to drive away without lights before.
My technique is drive in front of them, then turn off my lights 3 or 4 times. This usually does the trick.
i've seen this technique couple of times, and at the time, i thought it was smart, because it's not very intrusive but very clear sign as long as the offending driver is paying attention to the surrounding. (and also can be done either from infront or back of the offending driver.)
myself, i flash them with high beam. so far, the success rate is close to nil. i think it's the water that makes people stupid.
this is why I think GM(also most latest Toyota) is on the right track with automatic headlight on most of its vehicles. i'm usually FOR the driver control of everything, but sometimes, it's worth the loss of control for the net benefit to our safety.