Quote:
particularly since the scratches are in a circular pattern around the outer edge.


This is often caused by the drive itself. Some drives and CD players have a habit of not fully stopping the rotation of the disc before they drop it into the tray. If the tray's got dust in it, or is just a bit hard, this results in the distinctive circular scratches.

Scratches caused by normal (if rough) handling tend to be straight, and are more likely to cut across the "groove".
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-- roger