I’ve got a similar issue.. a small scratch near the top left corner just above the antenna break on the steel band. But I didn’t have anyone install a screen protector, so I’d have to say it’s a manufacturing gaffe. This isn’t the first time an iphones been scratched out of the box for me either.. I’m in the same boat as you, trying to get over it but at times finding it a bit difficult. Let me know what you ended up doing and what your experience was like cus I honestly feel a little awkward asking to swap out the phone over such a tiny scratch but I’m also bothered by the scratch can’t seem to let it go lol.