Originally Posted by
rm -rf
The gouges probably have ridges on each side of the gouge, so sanding the high spots flat is worth a try. The gouges will still be there, but the pads may ride over them without pulsing. I don't know if the gouges will still cause brake pulsing after the ridges are flattened. ( I sanded down the uneven pegged joint on my rim a few years ago, and it worked great. )....
Scratches in rims don't affect braking, though they may sometimes make noise. Years ago, many aluminum rims were scored at intervals (similar to how modern MC discs are). The theory was that they ejected water better and ran a but cooler when dry. It really didn't affect performance, and the practice went away.
My favorite tool is one I steal from the wife. A plain emery board. The stiffness makes them bridge gaps so they only remove the raised burrs. IME the pink medium/fine foam core ones are best for this job. Deb doesn't even ask me what the fray stuff on her nail boards is anymore.