ejrolon,
Yes, I have tried that method as well, but the quality of light is so poor, that in order to make it look good render time becomes an issue, especially when lighting an entire house. Since this is a visualization for a client and for publication as well good lighting is important. I don't mind creating glow and effect post process, but it seems odd that there inst a reliable way to create a LED or fluorescent light, particularly with IES data. I cant imagine why those lights are limited to squares or circles.
Regardless, I believe the line light could work, if only it had some level of control.
The difference between the two is pretty great. I attached a quick mock up using a similar rig and surfaces.
Illuminated surface on the left, light on the right. Getting decent light throw and washing the surface of the ceiling becomes difficult with the glow surface, as well the overall quality and look is poor.
Dave