Thanks for all the details and advice! I do tend to escalate fast when I get into things, my poor bank account took a beating when I first got into watches 🙂. One of the advantages of learning later in life (almost 40) is I can afford the nicer guitar as a noob. I tend to go through a bunch up front, trying to find something that will last forever and that I will build a relationship with, lol.
I tried two take more pictures of the headstock imprint but I can't seem to post anymore to this thread(?). To answer fortyyearspickin, I think it might just be the finish. I can't really feel the imprint but I see it. At first I thought it was glue, but it is definitely not, it is some sort of imprint as I couldn't wipe it off. Based on one comment about about getting a snark tuner to put over it, I looked at Snark tuners (unfamiliar to me, I use iPhone) and I found an amazon review that seems to call this out EXACTLY! https://www.amazon.com/Snark-Instrument-Clip-Chromatic-Tuner/dp/B003VWKPHC?th=1.
"Update:Do not use a Snark on Gibson or any Nitrocellulose headstock. It will leave impressions that cannot be undone! They now admit this on their website."
I took it to GC yesterday and they did a setup and looked over it, they said it looked great, only those cosmetic things. I trust the luthier there (as far as a noob can) as he has done my setups on my D-18 and other acoustics (I told you, I tend to escalate fast, I have 5 guitars already including an LP!). I also got them to throw in some free strings (sent to me) and some other swag/gear. Since they have a 45-day return policy, I am inclined to see if I bond with this thing, she is sounding amazing after setup and new strings. To the point above, if I like the sound and feel of this guitar after playing, I worry I might get something that doesn't sound good to me.