Maybe this isn't directly relevant, but just a reminder that if a 74HC output can comfortably drive four segments simultaneously, instead of eight, then you could use multiplexing by segment, instead of by digit, with resistors needed only on the common cathodes, and you would still have even brightness on all segments. The attached shows the alternate circuit for two digits using one 74HC4017. The four-digit version would just add two more digits, two more processor pins, and two more resistors, but still use only one 4017. The number of processor pins needed would be equal to the number of digits, plus one. Of course the multiplexing would need to be faster since each segment would be on only 1/8 of the time instead of 1/4 of the time. Unfortunately, they don't make modules that look like this, so you would have to roll your own. If there's any interest, I can link to a video and repo on this method.