Has anyone tried rubbing compound or something like it on the scratches? I don't feel like taking the thing off & removing the finish & painting it.

 

No, but if you do and it works let us know. I am too lazy to remove it to sand it down.

 

I used some compound on mine, worked like a charm. Had some medium cut stuff(2000 grit), too get out the heavy scratches, then some fine stuff(Griots machine 3), also hit all the wood with the fine polish. The inside now looks like new.