Yeah, that's pretty poor. You'd think Shoei's quality control would have caught that! Especially for a Shoei - they aren't the cheapest helmets out there.
Everyone has their own preference, but I can't stand anything smoked/tinted for my riding vision. I find it that much more difficult to pick out lines to ride, especially in the shade or when the sun is low in the sky. Not being able to get a good view of the ground features can put you on your butt!! But having said that I know guys who ride with sunglasses or tinted helmet visors and love it - weird!