Good review Darth Tyranus, thank you!
The mark/ding on your saber is inexcusable, I'd try and get another... If it were me at least, depending on where I bought it...
Your 8 score is fair considering a minor defect and a few other foibles that are in design.
I just got my ANH Luke Saber today 1/09/08 from Toys R' Us, and I'm happy with it. ( Got a 15 month warranty that covers any damage or defects, which is nice. It cost me an extra $17US, but I think it is worth it for these sabers.)
About the details to your review; I'd agree that the plastic blade emitter ring is a bit annoying with the "mold mark" which draws a line straight down the center. They could have had.... No, SHOULD have had that hidden under the emitter shroud. This was my biggest issue with the saber.