For me, this would be entirely unacceptable. I would work through your distributor to get it corrected. The game should be picked up and a new one sent out. Stern should eat the cost because it's their screw up. That's how you conduct customer service. If stern doesn't like it, too bad, get better quality control. If they don't correct it to your satisfaction, there are legal options or just never buy nib again from sternm Just because you sign and accept delivery doesn't absolve stern of underlying issues, it only signifies that you accepted delivery, not that you certify your game is perfect inside.
Sending nee decals is a lame response.