Question regarding security strip on recent 'new' ps1 game

So I ordered a bunch of games from estarland, 4 of them were used-complete, but I also got one that was listed as 'new'. 3 of the used games were in really great condition, one had a deep scratch on the top part of disc, but still plays as much as I know. But aside from those, about the 'new' one, this was Final Fantasy Chronicles for the PS, I get it, looks like a rewrap though I'm no expert on this, but what makes me think it is not 'new', perhaps just 'like new' condition is that it doesn't have the security strip. So I sent an email to estarland telling them about the damaged game as well as this 'new' game, they get back with me today and tell me "The Final Fantasy Chronicles is new. Sony stopped using security strips on games that are still being sold for there systems awhile ago. All new copies of those games being printed today are printed without the security strips" So my question is, is this true, can anyone confirm it. I don't have a problem with the condition as it is in very good shape, but my problem is that if its not 'new' then I shouldn't be paying the price of 'new', afterall 'like new' is still used since it has been opened, if this is the case and therefore if it is I should've gotten it for several dollars less.