Having seen your photos, the slight color difference would be of no concern to me. All of my new units are slightly darker than my old unit due to the fading of the hair. I believe the factory puts a conditioner in the hair to give a rich, new look. It will fade soon enough. In fact, all of the flaws you point out would not cause me to send it back. You start looking for perfection in DIY hair, you will find disappointment instead. But I acknowledge there are certain things that each individual looks at, and if any are deal breakers for you, send it back. My opinion is if I received a unit like that(and the density was right, which is a deal breaker for me), I'd cut it in and wear it. I try to wear the hair, and not let the hair wear me.