All of this and you haven't even listened to it. Yikes.
If I freaked out about imperfections of this magnitude I'd have a stroke.
Perhaps this is my U.S. viewpoint, but I view Rega and other brit manufacturers as purveyors of hand-built electronics... the factory likely staffed by gnomes and elves, with a magical faerie overseeing production. Occasionally the odd cosmetic imperfection occurs during one of their spontaneous happy-dances.
To the O.P....
There is absolutely no reason for this attitude towards Rega. They could have told you to take a hike, and many manufacturers would have. Especially considering the insignificant nature of your "problems".
You've been taken care of. Why drag Rega's name through the mud?
I agree with Paul. You didn't need to make a stink on the forum given they were already taking care of you.
Another casualty of globilization. We are so used to poor customer service and robot-made goods bought from big-box stores we forget the "human element" when dealing, essentially, at a local level.
If this were 25 years ago, would you have posted flyers around the neighborhood detailing the extent of your "issues"? No. In fact, it would have been viewed as borderline libelous.
Phew! Lighten up bro - or you WILL end up having a stroke!