Thanks everyone for the warning. My SD40VE has been reliable and problem-free as of now but does not have nearly the round count yet. After taking off my slide I can see the 2 plastic tabs that are missing in the above photos. I can see how a steel guider I'd my break those tabs over time. I mostly leave my defensive pistols stock to avoid things that might void it's warranty.
BTW, the man in the included youtube video has a follow-up video date 2 days ago. It seems that S&W replaced his whole pistol for free...and his SD40VE didn't look stock either. You may want to give it a try and send it in.