not to worry, i have ordered an endoscope already and intend to thoroughly check the frame once i have it in my hands. I will share here if i find any issues.

But i don't think it's brave of me to order one - the risk, at least in my view, is fairly small. And that, for me, is okay, especially given the prices we're discussing.
And if there's any issues, i have all winter to get this sorted with LC ...

I’m on same boat and forced to bought an endoscope because of these issues.
It's really sad that customer have to make a QC, but like already mentioned, I also have a whole winter to try to get things right.