I think possibly rep. Certain aspects of the edge finishing on the sels and clasp look a bit unfinished and crown on the clasp looks slightly odd to me.
Problem with using a springbar is that the weakness is no better than Jf. The springbar pin may still fail. I used the metal hammer in pins as used in other reps and gen sels. Very tight fit and should be strong.
Never had any issues to Uk with Dhl. In fact Puretime shipped the new Jf LV to me just yesterday using Dhl. Hopefully it will be ok. Are more of these issues to do with shipping to USA??
The subdial holes are normal on this model. The 3 and 9 hands are fake and are just glued in position on thicker posts. They are not as noticeable in real life though.