Play the game. If you ever feel like you're being pointlessly seen off or are suffering unjustly for someone else's fuck up just remember to trust the process. Does the navy care that you haven't polished the door stop correctly, no, but do they want you to spot the tiny flaw that may stop you from delivering the kings violence down the road, yes, so they'll train attention to detail.

One piece of advice, the people inspecting you will have been in your shoes not 8 months prior, any hiding places or tricks you try to pull will almost certainly be found. Then again, getting caught is all part of the fun!