Or that, with no explanation, they were used to classify the LCD as also being in need of replacement.
The explanation came when GN pressed them: fixing the blemishes meant switching out cases, and switching out cases meant switching LCDs. They actually put that 'explanation' in writing.
GN sent in a unit that would need a stick and main board replacement, because the micro SD slot was also broken. If they say the case etc is also bad, they can just give a new unit and Chuck the old one, thus saving on labor and spending the same amount of money.