I just verified with my latest [non-modified] FTZ and the AF-D 35-135 Nikkor that FEE *will* display if the lens is not locked to the smallest aperture. However, once the toothpick-enabled adapter is used, everything works and apture figures are properly displayed.
Thus the problem Rick encountered is either the minimim-aperture lock on his 28-70 lens is defective, or the contact pins don't make the required connection to the FTZ. Use a toothpick to temporarily push in the minimum-aperture sensor on the FTZ to see if apertures are displayed.