That sounds foolish of Fender to offer such a small price cut, especially if the ding is under your finger during any playing or bending. It just won't sound right, I mean for a brand new guitar.

UPS is terrible I know, but who do you blame? Quality control should have picked it up, in my opinion.

Nice way to take the wind out of your sail and increase the anxiety level waiting all that time. Then they might move the date back even farther. I'd ask for something for the inconvenience in additon to the defective neck.