Here's a thought for you guys....clear fingernail polish over the sights before staining makes them easy to clean off with Q-tips later, or magic tape, trimmed to fit the sights, peel off when done.:wave2:
When mine came from Classic Billiards, I noticed those fine scratches too. I assumed they were just milling marks / sand scratches.
I just wet sanded mine, with 600 to start, then 1000-1500-2000 and then really worn out 2000. Probably overkill, but it worked. I installed mine after the finish.
Yes, all the scratches came out. Wet sand. If not, definitely wear a mask.