This is what Meteor replied to Northwood Saw's inquiry about the issue.
"With reference to your message here below please note the following:
- The problem is just aesthetic, meaning that there is no such thing as some missing casting, the piston is simply purposely shaped like this on the below edges / corners of the skirt just to be adapted to another model (Oleomac 962) which requires this shape at the bottom of the skirt. And these "cuttings" come out from the mould, that is they are not made by machining, that's why you see the rough aluminium on them. We have been producing and selling this version for almost 5 years now without problems, so there are no faults about it."
Sal over at Northwood still offered to refund my $ and issue a return slip. He did what he could to help and make the purchase whole, can't ask any more of a company than that. I will be a repeat customer in the future. Besides, shipping was REALLY fast! Thanks Sal.
I will think twice about Meteor Pistons in the future however.
I changed my mind and am going to keep the piston and clean it up. I am not impressed with the quality but I don't really have the funds at this point in my build for OEM. I am going to be decking the cylinder anyway so a little more intake duration can't hurt... I hope...