Question, if the reader develops a tear in the light layer, is readability affected while the light is turned off?
No. You would only see a tear/spot with the light on. Also interesting to note is that the earliest Nook Glowlights had more quality control issues (same with Kindle Paperwhite) and there are people who have had Glowlights for months with no issues. I'd recommend a case; B&N says not to use a screen protector. My guess is that if the anti-glare coating is scratched through, that is when you have screen issues. There have been reports that the screen feels different to the touch with the newer Glowlights vs. the older ones; I suspect B&N changed their manufacturing process.
I can send the newest serial numbers first. The Nook I opened is a "low" serial number and even thought the screen has no damage, I decided to keep for myself a "high" (i.e. about 4-5 months old) serial number because IMO the screen lighting was better.
It also sounds like B&N honors screen problems in the 1-year warranty.
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