I own one receiver and a number of barrels including shotgun. NEF is a utilitarian gun that is offered at a basement price. It's my belief that the dirty rough condition of their new barrels is a cost containment measure. For every penny they put into their product they have to charge six cents more for their product. Your buying a Ford Pinto, not a Mercury Marque. After proper cleaning and break in my barrels shoot fine for what I want. That said it's not going to be long before I sell my Pinto (and others) to step up the quality of my collection. T/C is better quality but you'll pay a premium for their barrels. That's why I own and love my NEF.
When I retire my wife wants to teach out of country, one gun that can handle a lot of different jobs is very appealing. One case, one frame, and seven barrels.
As for the rust issue, a phone call and send it back with the rust covered patch and they pay the postage. That one I couldn't accept. Someone screwed up bad and I'd want a new barrel not the one they started the rust process in.