Anyone Using A Boston TT Mat

I just received a new Boston Mat from Sakura Systems. Right
away, I noticed that the mat's surface is somewhat rough especially
towards the center. Now it's not sandpaper rough, just enough
that you feel it with your fingers.
I wrote Yoshi at Sakura and he says this is normal and he has
never had any complaints about the mat being rough. He offered
to let me return it for a refund.
Is anyone using this mat that can comment on this. I just want to
make sure this won't damage my records.