I agree with putting on a screen protector to cover the marks. I used to have a PSP, got a couple scratches and a screen protector made them unnoticeable!
The pack of three anti-glare protectors on Amazon for my Flyer makes it a little easier to use the pen (paper-like resistance) and cuts...
I hear ya - I wasn't happy about being gouged either but I really love my Flyer, even with the $80 premium. Hope they sell more units...more sales = more software support.