Scratches on new sinks are always really obvious. However, over time, the scratches meld into an even patina and they are no longer obvious. That's probably why you think your older sink didn't have as many scratches -- it did, you just didn't notice them b/c of the "patina" effect.

If you're really upset about them in the short-term, then maybe stainless steel isn't the right material for you.

You could also:

• Get a "satin" finish as opposed to a polished/shiny finish
• Get a sink grid so it keeps things off the floor of the sink. A sink grid is also great for allowing water to flow freely no matter what you have in your sink. It's also great for draining pasta b/c there is not backwash into the colander.
• Get a different material -- porcelain, fireclay, granite composite, etc.

The sink grid that comes with the sink has 3 problems; it acts like a filter and collects food, it needs to be removed constantly to wash food particles down the sink drain, and the small rubber bumpers fall into the garbage disposal and need to be retrieved. The grid is a useless accessory.

We may start looking at different materials for a sink.

Agree with Buehl. Unfortunately all stainless steel scratches over time. Those sinks with the mirror like finishes show the scratches much quicker and are much harder to buff out. If you stay with stainless go for the satin sink. Shows less and can be restored to factory finish easily. Other sinks such as porcelain definitely have their own major plus's ++ and a few minor minuses - . Sink grids are not the end all answer, especially if they are cheaply made. I know your frustration ,we are always working at my design center here trying to come with that better "mousetrap" (: .

Happy Easter!

Maybe you would like a Slingranit sink by Blanco or some other manufactured stone?