I didn't even notice the difference in printing quality on that part of the ball, I just assumed it was part of the normal variation for such things and didn't

I didn't even notice the difference in printing quality on that part of the ball, I just assumed it was part of the normal variation for such things and didn't think it had any meaning beyond that. However that being said I think the analysis in the original article is probably as valid and likely more so than mine; I was having fun trying to bullshit-lawyer what was clearly the consequence of a hasty mistake into the work of over-thought intent.