I appreciate all of the feedback. I was aware of the proof vs. advertisement cutout debate, but that didn't explain to me why they treated the submission like I sent in a standard M116 with a suspicious back. If CGC added a note clarifying their position on what they believe these to be, or ticked off "service unavailable" rather than "questionable authenticity" I wouldn't have brought this up.
Fwiw I believe they were cut from a trial run given the different card stock, pinholes, and blank backs with key info written. I understand that doesn't meet the definition of a proof, but rather something that relates to M116 production. I guess that means it will stay raw
