How do I make my kitchen sink fit properly (flush and level) in my counter top?
I think you’ve already suggested Clues or an answer. The first thing to check; which you did; suggests it isn’t the counter top; hence the next check would be the sink. The fact that you had to enlarge the drop in shouldn’t be an issue at all. Without knowng at all the substance of the sink; IE: Stainless; etc. …But knowing that “perfect” isn’t always a reality in any production; and not knowing the BRAND; OR where it was manufactured; I’d probably just return it for another.