All of the MKIV-V and subsequent SB 753 models we built were well finished with good to excellent QC and certainly not "downright sloppy".
The Carlton MKIV Pros had a durable traditional British paint finish intended for use in wet/harsh conditions and high quality chrome. Mine was just fine thanks (see pic), although it was not Paramount quality finish (or price).



The Italian marques of the day we built had at worst lousy metal prep thin/uneven paint and peeling transfers and at best a second rate soft paint job lacking durability.
Find any Original 72-75 Raleigh/Carlton Pro and compare it's finish to your choice of OEM Italian marque of the era that has seen similar use for comparison.

The finest most beautiful durable fit & finish of the era to me?
Jack Taylor, Mercian & Schwinn Paramount.

These were Racing machines of the era, essentially disposable tools some of which survive today.

-Bandera