Part of the problem was that on the day I took delivery of the car I worked late. Then, by the time we completed the paperwork and the salesman brought the car out it was nearly dark. We were both inside the car and he was explaining the features (how to use the nav, etc.) when it started to rain. Had I been able to get to the dealership a little earlier I would have had a chance to inspect the car much better than I did. As is, I worked late again the following day, so it wasn't until two days after delivery that I saw the paint chip, and not until the following weekend that I spotted the dangling plastic.
But you are correct, ultimately it was my responsibility to give the vehicle a full inspection prior to taking delivery and I neglected to do so. In my desire to get the car ASAP I trusted the dealer to provide me with a "perfect" car, which he didn't do. Still, the imperfections were minor, and it is a great vehicle. I was much more POed when I made my initial post than I am now. I know that within a few months I'll get a door ding or two which will be lots worse than the small paint chip...
Not that it matters how it happened, except to prevent reoccurance, but is the hood chip where someone might have raised the hood while the wipers were in the raised position (while washing, for example)?