That looks like a rather sloppy cut if it was on purpose. I could maybe believe it if it was just the trace, but it looks like the trace to the left of it is sort of nicked too. I think the tell-tell sign are the nicks right above it. If they were cutting the trace, those wouldn't be there. As you mentioned, looks like someone stuck a screwdriver or the like under S4 and gave it a twist more that once. Also, if it was purpose, why cut it under the S4? Why not just cut it where it's visible (i.e. below S4) so it could be inspected?

All the times I had to cut a trace in order to perform a mod on one of my designs, it was with a scalpel. Two small cuts, and remove the piece in the middle. Clean cut and you are assured only that trace is cut.

Just a wag, not sure what is acceptable in the consumer world. If its on purpose, it's rather sloppy.

Good luck with the mystery!

So is the trace next to the 'cut' trace also open? Looks like it is, just could be the picture tho.

Any updates?

Nice job running the greenwires. Keep us posted, always like to hear a happy ending.

Good luck!