honestly I bet many of us have pipes that have this feature and just never examined the pipes interior so closely. Heck that coating that some makers use might even be partially used to keep the more fastidious of pipe smokers from sending pipes back. Though pipes are like girlfriends in this one little way (and not many others) where what I don't mind and what technically shouldn't be an issue can be a deal breaker. And the real question is how do you feel. If you can't drop it then get the refund. If you're worried it is a serious issue that will cause you problems latter realize it isn't and it won't. And briar has these pits and even the perfect looking pipe might have a few of these hiding out somewhere. To me it seems like a silly thing to get rid of a pipe that is otherwise fine, but I didn't pay for it and I am not the one that is going to smoke it. And last thing if it really bothers you and you return it at least someone else can buy it see the pit not care and enjoy the pipe oh and they can buy it probably at a discounted unsmoked estate (which is probably what 90 percent of unsmoked estates for sale from some websites are).