The problem is that, even though CDs were starting to cut into LP sales, some segments of the LP market were still strong but feeling the pinch, so they needed to cut costs. The reality of injection molding and pressing is that if bad products are made, they WILL regrind the plastic, for a couple of reasons- disposal isn't free and buying virgin OR reground plastic was expensive. The problem with reground is that paper labels probably weren't removed and if the cardboard is like the tan corrugated type, it would seem that the whole box was tossed into the hopper.
Did you see many American factory workers when you were working in the ER? I worked at a plastics factory, as I mentioned- most of the 3rd shift employees were hard drinkers, did various drugs (before, during and after work) and well, let's just say they were less than conscientious workers.
Buying imported LPs has been a good way to buy better quality pressings- I started buying them in the late-'70s and have never had a bad one, like you. It was less a problem for me and others who worked where these were sold but as a consumer, ending up with bad products is never good.
