Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Everyone seems to consider it to be a cosmetic flaw. It runs parallel to the tube, so the risk should be minimal. Does it have a hole that allows water in? But I think it is time to accept that it is there.
....Value, of course, is different, but
a bike should be ridden.
+1, all this unnecessary todo about a barely visible cosmetic flaw. Even the worst case scenario it wouldn't be a safety issue since seat stay failures remain rare, and are not likely to lead to a crash.
Put it out of your mind and ride and enjoy the bike. If you cannot put it out of your mind, fill and touch it up with some paint, then go see a hypnotherapist for help forgetting about it.
If you ride this bike long enough it'll soon accumulate a decent number of dings and this one will be among the least of them.