Here's an alternate way to register with Adobe. It requires the microUSB connection to a PD, and Adobe Digital Editions:
1- Download and install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE)
To do that, follow the following instructions. In Step 8, make sure you use the same adobe credentials under which your books are authorized.
https://www.entourageedge.com/suppor...barticleid=109
2- Connect your freshly factory reset/golden updated edge to your PC using the USB cable
3- When the edge is recognized, ADE will ask you if you want to authorize your edge with Adobe. Say yes

Note that you can easily transfer books you've downloaded in Adobe Digital Editions to your eDGe by following these instructions.

Regarding the brightness/contrast of the Reader side, there is no adjustment possible. You can use a book light for better reading, though.