Mine is MNG and that happened to mine after 2 months too..and it came with more issues,...
is it normal for a new bag ? well depends on how you use it, but since you are being careful, I would say not normal.
is it normal for a palm spring mini ? YES where do I begin LOL this bag is really problemtic, even the new design didn't stop the cracking issue around the zipper.
LV can definitely replace those leather tabs for free, but it takes time. and I don't know how difficult to get a reverse PSM in your country and whats the buyer protection law there, so not sure if you could get an replacement for that. but 100% sure that you can get the leather tabs replaced for free. Take it to your boutique and ask! best of luck!