I just gave it ANOTHER go, and it is still the same

I am going to try very lightly sanding next, as I am now at the point that I don't care if I damage it. I have kind of written it off in my mind, hence I can't exactly ruin it, as I doubt it is really fixable.

I think the lesson might be to avoid buying veneered bodies.

I am going to buy a replacement body from Guitar Fetish, if it all goes wrong, as I know their product is of a reasonable standard for the price.

I have to say that I am pretty annoyed about all of this, and someone on here might be getting a good deal on my unopened explorer kit...