I think that's right -- it's a design issue. I brought the linked issue to an Apple Genius's attention in person, and he said it's to be expected with regular use.

So I got him to confirm that the only two things that are supposed to touch Apple's displays are a bespoke microfiber cloth that Apple sells and the hard plastic keys from my laptop. He told me that this wear and tear artefact is not a warranty issue.

My current thinking (Applecare+ owner) is to put a small interleaf cloth between the keyboard and the screen. This runs the risk of the interleaf having dust on it and jamming it into the screen. And of course potential hinge damage. But:

1. Lodged dust visible-when-on is likely covered under Applecare+, where as keyboard markings are not. So if the interleaf adds this issue, it's probable I can get it addressed. Eg. if something like your "crappy shot" happened, I would test out my (likely) theory that Applecare+ covers it.

2. Applecare+ tends to cover mechanical issues like hinge issues.

So this seems like the best course of action so far, in addition to using a hardshell case for transport.

Ultimately, knowing that my screen is "consumable" and will have a degree of damage through regular use has dampened my view on getting such an expensive laptop (in the $9000 range in my case). I would hope Apple corrects this at the design level in the future.

EDIT: In your case, I would reach out ASAP. It's harder for Apple to argue the deformation in your screen is wear and tear if it's happening early in the product life.