GOOD NEWS! took the vx to the dealer as scheduled - service mgr took a look at the rims (blistering, flaking and scabbing?) and agreed at having them replaced. reminded me about waxing the rims due to chicago weather and the elements, i agreed (since i do wax 'em,) but told him the vx only had less than 7k miles - too soon for something like this to happen. also, mentioned that this has happened to a few others on these boards. bought mine new at this dealer and the service dept has been A-OK from the start.
so far, covered under warranty (no questions/discussions etc) - both headlight assemblies due to top of headlight hazing, condensation, vent cover by passenger windshield wiper flying off, interior trim piece missing/broken clip and now the rims.
props to the service dept for a hassle free experience!
-jose