[Al Skierkiewicz]

OK,
You are buying "Super Bright" LEDs. They do have a higher voltage drop but the same rule applies for current limits. You do want to have a resistor in the string to keep the current at specified level, usually in the 20-40 ma range. If you are making each shape with parallel strings, then the wiring within each shape can be #22 with the resistors wired right at the string. If you wire each shape back to a Spike, make that wiring #18. Each shape is then the custom circuit and all rules are satisfied.
The only caveat I can supply at this point is the relative brightness will be a subjective thing. If the inspector, ref or FTA think they are too bright or if a team complains they are too bright, it will be up to you to correct the problem. That will mean, make them dimmer, or remove the breakers that feed them.