I've come across many headsets which you'd swear were done for by the feel, actually turn out to be perfectly serviceable given an overhaul and careful adjustment, even in spite of some false brinelling.

The divots in the cups and/or cones usually only make much difference if the headset's too tight, and once you have the balls out and in, they don't line up anymore. They might in future, but you can rotate the cups too...

Headset doesn't have a real tough brief usually - you can get stuff that looks like junk to ride no-hands without rattling.