So I'm wondering now if those resistors are in there as
"placeholders" for
some value that would yield a dim function, possibly even a place to
attach the wiper and one leg of a pot to provide variable dim.
(Though why
they wouldn't just use wire links in place of the resistors is an
interesting question.)



Yes 0 Ohm jumpers are often used as placeholders just as you say.
With automatic machine placement of SMT parts, they are essentially
free.

Mark