ElectronGuru, would you tell me what is exactly meaning "Minor Imperfections" and "Notable Imperfections"?
Or would you upload those host's photos I can figure how it is imperfect?
It varies from part to part so photos don't cover the breadth (not predictive), but in general:
everything is mechanically functional
2 is something you can see close up
3 is something you can see past arms length, say sitting on a table
In the case of HA hosts, 2 is usually a problem during the final coloring, silver showing through the indented color, usually the knurling or near the threads. 3 is usually a problem during the stripping process. The original black color is still there and/or black plastic melted into the metal. Neither pass our quality control but are to good still to trash.
Get a 3 if you expect to use it heavily, where damage will join it soon. Get a 2 it will be lightly used or small cosmetically issues don't bother you.