I recently used a clay mitt on my car. I didn't think too much about it since I was using it with soapy water. This mitt was several years old and left some scratches. As for iron decons I guess it depends on the environment. If you are near industrial areas it would probably be worthwhile to...
I know back in the late 90's a lot of white vehicles had issues with peeling paint. I suspect the ongoing paint issues have to do with VOC compliant ingredients that aren't as good as previously used products.
I believe it's downsizing in that they deleted one internet store and most likely one shipping center and shifted product lines a bit I was under the impression that they thinned the product offerings some in their house brands.
I'm assuming the panel is steel based on the comments. But those bumps are common on some SMC panels due to bonding agents working their way through the plastic and coming to the surface. It's a real common issue on 4th fbodies.