If you only have .002" ring gap cold on a 2 year old engine you might have found the cause for the scratched cylinder walls. The ring expands when heated yet there's no room for it to expand. It warped and dug into the sides.
Two choices, run it as is till it won't run no more, or purchase the replacement parts. With the knowledge gained here you will be better able to determine if the replacment parts will perform better than the origional.