Any question answered...

I just received a Hope seat clamp from Wiggle, and it's scratched - looks like the clamp has been fitted (awkwardly) to a bike in the past.

Doesn't affect the function of the item obviously.

I'm on the fence as to whether this winds me up. Should I return it? I kinda expect new items to look new. First scratch should be my doing.

Return it, check their site, you don't have to pay for anything, the postage is free as long as you take it to one of their many thousands of return points (local shops). The only reason not to return it is if you need it today.