I've had two iphone 5 devices in black. First one was a week 37 build and the 2nd was a week 38. First one was 100% flawless (in regards to scuffing) and the 2nd one has, admittedly two of the smallest (like pinhead) blemishes. I'm not even sure they're "scuffs" or where the anodization has worn off... more like just the metal band wasn't flat and the annodization kinda sunk in. I looked it over very, VERY closely twice and didn't see them until the 3rd time. Honestly, I've probably done worse damage to the anodized part already just plugging it into the charger at night in the dark... and if not, I will likely do it within a month.
I do believe it's a real issue and I think I would be ticked if mine came out looking like some of the one's I've seen on here. I've physically held 4 iPhone 5 models (my first one, my co-workers, my second one and one at the verizon store). None of them suffered from "scuffgate".
It's hard for me to say exactly what I'd do in someone's shoes like the OP. I've never been super OCD about my phones but then again, I've never had a phone that costs $850 ($950 if you count the extended warranty).
