Absolute conjecture here, but split link pins are probably a looser fit so they can be pushed in by hand (rather than driven in/out by a chain tool.). Could explain why a new one would appear to be "worn"?
Sorry, to clarify, this was a used quick link that a bike jumble seller had artfully repositioned inside the packaging.
And look. I'm not too cut up about it. It's a £3 part. It was just petty.
@Bearlegged started
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Absolute conjecture here, but split link pins are probably a looser fit so they can be pushed in by hand (rather than driven in/out by a chain tool.). Could explain why a new one would appear to be "worn"?