An amp with bent tabs would not ship from us that way.
We un-package, test, examine, and re-package each amplifier (and every subwoofer / speaker for that matter). It's not impossible for a tab to be bent in transit despite the foam end caps. A drop off the belt in the FedEx warehouse can do so; if dropped on the corner can bend the tab without permanent damage to the packing.
We've shipped 1000s of amps over the years and a bend or ding on a corner is the most common sort of damage; packing has been upgraded numerous times over the years but it still happens on occasion. Granted it is very rare with the newest packing.
The only way to rectify the bent tab is DIY fix or shipping damage claim and swap it again. Yes it is inconvenient but that is the reality of shipping products.
Bottom line, though, is that it would never have left here after inspection with a bent tab. We have full time employees dedicated to JUST QC checking products before they ship; which in and of itself is a rarity in the business these days.