I agree with dakkon, in my mind they are not considered mistakes by any stretch of the imagination. I've purchased all of my speakers from the FO, and yet have found no cosmetic issues. My guess is they are overruns of inventory, but not sure. I did a poll a long time ago, and about 60% of the people order from the FO with no problems.

M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350
AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85