I bought a S&W model 66 back in the 80's, along with about eight other guys. Mine had the cylinder machined lopsided! I took a good flat 1/2" file and squared it instead of sending it back to S&W, since the finish wouldn't have to be touched up. It served me well for many, many years after that. I even won several local matches with it! I almost always slightly customize my handguns. Having said that, I like new stuff to look new. Since there appears to be little faith in what S&W will or won't do and their quality of repair jobs, you are probably making the right decision to send it off to C&S. I know that some manufacturers won't accept warranty work for minor cosmetic issues. There is also a question about the acceptable "accuracy" of a gun. Most customers can't shoot a gun (especially a handgun) well enough to legitimately question its accuracy.