UPS screwed up delivery big time. GF arrived with some damage and totally couldn’t control laser power.
New unit arrived in just a few days since reporting the issue and it is seemingly working well (I’m only a few prints in).
For comparison. Not hard to tell new vs. old.
Thanks support folk @ GF! Support is critical and hard for small companies to execute. I was sad to have to pull the support card so soon after receipt, but am a very happy customer after the interaction!
Sorry for your initial result. Glad Glowforge was able to get you right quickly! Always nice to hear good news! Support really does a pretty damn good job!
Fantastic support. And, wow, is it nice to have a Glowforge that recognizes 20 is a different power than MAX POWER PEWPEWPEW BEAM OF VAPORIZING SUNLIGHT! 
Already doing my first real project. Wooden logo keychains for my wife’s documentary project.
On behalf of the team, thanks so much for your kind words, @bbum. We’re here to help!
Happy Printing!
