You didn't mention it, but I assume you bought the TT new. If not, the scratches would be easy to explain.
2 things come to mind. The first is how the TT was packaged. I don't know if every manufacturer uses it, but I've never been a fan of that rough paper that's sometimes used. Some type of dirt or debris may have come into contact with the platter. Many TT parts are made in a machine shop so something like dirt isn't out of the question. And the other possibility is that you may have scratched it during set up. I don't know how Clearaudio does it, but my VPI TT's come with a big metal jig you put on the platter. Not to mention other tools like levels and tracking force gauges. Also, any cleaner that contains alcohol will destroy acrylic.
2 things come to mind. The first is how the TT was packaged. I don't know if every manufacturer uses it, but I've never been a fan of that rough paper that's sometimes used. Some type of dirt or debris may have come into contact with the platter. Many TT parts are made in a machine shop so something like dirt isn't out of the question. And the other possibility is that you may have scratched it during set up. I don't know how Clearaudio does it, but my VPI TT's come with a big metal jig you put on the platter. Not to mention other tools like levels and tracking force gauges. Also, any cleaner that contains alcohol will destroy acrylic.