so isn't that widespread. If you do have them and they aren't very deep they can be polished out. I've seen some posting on other forums where the new seal is installed but not set all the way "in" so that the contact point is shifted a bit away from the grove.
FYI -- I cleaned up my VTC shafts using a Micromesh polishing cloth (3000 grit or so). Not sure it was really necessary but while I had it all apart figured why not? Left side is all cleaned up...