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Gavin, I just checked all 5 of my 18s (I have the 20s on the Defender now and the 18s in the garage), not a sign of even a scratch, let alone a gouge like you have. Mine are OEM steelies, though, so far from an apples to apples comparison. Also, I don't do much mud/snow/slush work compared to you; more dry rock and gravel and dirt/clay. But I do wind up in the muck from time to time.
Nothings going to put a groove in steelies. I've got marks on my front calipers too. Nothing too bad. 25-30k miles on the 18"s now. Seem to be holding up well.