For solving the problem in-game, I suggest a customizable HUD data feed for NVG flight and if you decide to go night unaided (yeah right) then turn up the instrument lights to your heart's content. I think a mechanic where you have players try to look under their tubes would drive them insane, even though it's technically correct. And yeah, there needs to be an NV light setting for the cockpit.
Can't comment on PVS systems; never heard of them for pilots and certainly haven't used them. They may be missing the minus-blue coating aviator versions have and that would definitely make an impact on instrument readability.