I didn't have any of the plastic peeling issues but was surprised to see that it was just a matter of flipping open the box lid and removing the clear molded plastic cover on top to gain access to the board. The dark grey aluminum sheet on the IO shield that has the name printed on it keeps coming loose at one end due to the 2-way tape not sticking properly or whatever it was that was used.

The only place mine had any plastic on it was the ROG logo under the socket. The metallic pieces over the PCH and the top of the I/O shield had manufactuing residue on it and a few finger prints on the plastic. A soft microfiber towel with a little mild cleaner on took care of any residue and finger prints. Truth be known I would have smudged it up anyhow during the build process. So long as there were no gouges or scratches its of no concern to me. The plastic is a PITA to get off at times anyhow.

I don't believe there was any work done on mine, if so whoever did it has some seriously incredible solder skills if they can replicate that of a wave soldering line and leave no residue or flux behind. Im just happy I got a board that is still extremely difficult to come by in the US and its up and running with amazing results thusfar....with the exception of the Win 10 Fall creators update issues that Im still sorting out but thats nothing to do with the board and how it look or works..

Just look as this hideous specimen!!

This is nothing new, my Rampage IV Black Edition mobos also had fingerprints on them, also the RVE10 was dirty when I got it. I didn't check my R6 Extreme much but I always check for scratches and bent pins, found none. Also with my R6 Apex the plastic was half way peeled off, but I am sure all these mobos are new. It's just Asus QC style, sometimes it is just less than many expect. But if the mobo is fine, why bother?

"! Important:
- Install processor FIRST then remove and KEEP the cover.
- Well place this cover while removing processor or returning motherboard."

One of the M9C mobos I bought had this sticker in the usual spot. And two extras that had snagged onto a corner of the socket and stuck onto each other.

Completely harmless and even a little amusing. Though I do wonder who fell asleep in the QA or packaging dept that shift, and if the next two motherboards didn't have their stickers.