Scratch on the screen at unboxing

Hello everyone !

I recently got a new MacBookPro M1 to replace my 2012 model. I ordered it directly on the apple store.

When I unboxed the mac last month I did notice a small mark on the screen (which was spotless everywhere else). I assumed it was a dust or a hair of some kind and tried to removed it (I just used a smooth clothe used to clean glasses). I thought the "dust" was removed, until yesterday where I noticed it again, and after further inspection, it is in fact a little scratch on the screen. I didn't noticed it earlier because it is only visible in very high luminosity condition.

I did contact apple support via chat yesterday, but they were only able to direct me to a local apple store (appointement in one week from now), I didn't got any other information.

I have several questions here.

Did you already heard about MacBookPro coming from the factory with scratched screen ?

As it took me a while to report the damage, I don't really expect that apple will repair it free of charge, any idea how much cost a new screen (I have Apple Care plus coverage, if it relevant) ?

From what I read online, these retina display are pretty easy to scratch, so even if I'm very careful (not a single scratch on my 9 years MacBookPro), I'm scared I will eventually damaged it... Do you have any suggestion for a screen protector that would not impair too much the quality of the screen (most important parameter would be to have low reflection on the screen) ?

Regards,

Maxime