Ask quality to judge the actual numbered cover first. Then keep that decision with the images. I'd use a couple of known samples to sort the lighting and seating before buying anything else.
Can you keep the edge mark visible in the next lighting comparison? Easy to celebrate losing the glare and miss that you've also hidden the thing you're supposed to detect.
Did the fixture check explain the change? Curious whether the cover was seating differently or whether the proposed imaging is just very touchy about small presentation differences.