Grizzly

"The reason they build it proud is in anticipatation of a few refinishings along the way. Every time you refinish the wood (if done correctly) you end up taking some of it away. Since you cannot add wood back, seems like a good strategy. "

It is standard strategy for English makers also.

Alot of "new" people in the market think it is just unfinished
as I have seen this comment over and over again.

It is a very sensible idea.

In the older days and probably still, A lot of new English guns, especially SHOTGUNS are sent back to the maker at the end of the season every year for a service, refinish etc and every few years a complete overhaul / refinish.

Hence why in the UK a "refinished" gun by the makers is not seen as a bad thing - in fact almost better than one not kept serviced.