Totally get what you mean. I had a similar thing happen with a cheap putty knife that was warped just enough to leave ridges. Like @emmamason said, it's wild how a tiny flaw you can't even see can ruin a smooth finish. I spent more time sanding than I did spreading.

Wait, she's been going to you since 2008? That's like sixteen years. That's a long time to just stop.

My 2008 washing machine still runs fine.

Honestly, I get how you could forget. Old houses are full of surprises covered up by past owners. That shrug was probably pure shock, not carelessness. You find the weirdest stuff once you start opening walls.

Check your own trim specs first before blaming the supplier. Maybe your team's cutting standards have slipped.