I'll close by saying that there are probably hundreds of posts regarding finish of machined surfaces on all kinds of equipment and tools(accompanied by questions as to return or not)--- eg,planers,jointers and tablesaw tops with pitting,chipping,"not flat",and otherwise damaged without all the hoopla thats been created.
I've been a more than satisfied longtime customer of Lee Valley and was quick to point out in my OP that this seemed unusual. It was nice for LV to jump into the thread and I'll reach out to them. Nevertheless, I'm sure LV is not quaking in their boots regarding some obscure post on a woodworking forum. John