My assumption was that GZ would end up carrying the can for this fiasco. Anybody know how pressing problems are normally resolved?
There is a reason labels get test pressings.
So they find out if there is a flaw in the stampers before the expense of pressing.
So the issue here is - if the test pressings were fine, but the pressing run is not, it is the pressing plant's problem.
If the label got a test pressing, and didn't bother to listen to it (you listen to TP's for defects, not sonics or content), or your Crossley didn't distinguish between a pressing defect because that's what everything sounds like a Crossley - it's the label's problem.
As far as defect rates go, there is usually a built-in defect rate in a pressing. It isn't high, but there is no pressing plant today that can produce 100% defect-free (outside japan). It simply isn't possible with 50 - 60 year old presses that all require continual maintenance. But if the defect rate is significantly higher, the plant may have to pony up a chargeback from the client. The client usually hasn't paid the invoice from the plant by the time the record hits the market, BTW.
If a whole run (usually defined as over 50%) is defective, and it is a true manufacturing flaw that did not appear on test pressings, the plant would usually be held to do a whole new press run.
I would find it hard to believe that VMP do not receive or listen properly to test pressings. On the other hand - I never see a VMP test pressing on the secondary market, so either they keep them very close (and/or destroy them after), or they don't exist. It is typical for a label to send out a few test pressings to knowledgeable people/customers they trust to listen before going to a full production run.